Apparatus, systems and methods for a content commentary community

ABSTRACT

A video community system that provides conversation videos to a member who is one of a plurality of community members. The system can include a conversation video storage medium that stores conversation videos that are each associated with one of a plurality of thematic content events; and a member interface that couples the video community system to a plurality of user devices. The member interface receives a user request from the requesting community member for a conversation video that is associated with a particular thematic content event. In response, the video community system accesses the conversation video from the conversation video storage medium that is associated with the particular thematic content event identified in the user request. The video community system communicates the accessed conversation video and at least a portion of the particular thematic content event to the requesting community member&#39;s device for concurrent display.

APPLICATION PRIORITY

This patent application is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 16/998,419, filed Aug. 20, 2020, entitled“APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A CONTENT COMMENTARY COMMUNITY,”which is a continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser.No. 16/222,742, filed Dec. 17, 2018, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR A CONTENT COMMENTARY COMMUNITY,” which is a Continuation ofU.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 15/678,842, filed Aug.16, 2017, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A CONTENTCOMMENTARY COMMUNITY,” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,158,892 on Dec.18, 2018, which is a Continuation of U.S. Non-Provisional patentapplication Ser. No. 15/289,585, filed Oct. 10, 2016, entitled“APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A CONTENT COMMENTARY COMMUNITY,” andissued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,743,118 on Aug. 22, 2017, which claimspriority to U.S. Non-Provisional patent application Ser. No. 14/802,842,filed Jul. 17, 2015, entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACONTENT COMMENTARY COMMUNITY,” and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 9,467,718 onOct. 11, 2016, which claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/157,575, filed May 6, 2015,entitled “APPARATUS, SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A CONTENT COMMENTARYCOMMUNITY,” the contents of which are herein incorporated by referencein their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Thematic content presents theme-based visual and audio content to a userfor their enjoyment and/or for informative purposes. Examples of suchtheme-based content includes movies, films, serial programming, sportingevents, documentaries, newscasts, religious programs, commercials(typically of short duration with advertising content), or the like.Serial programming may present a continuing plot and/or theme, oftenwith the same cast of actors, in a sequential episode-by-episode basisthat is available periodically.

Thematic content is readily available for presentation to the user(i.e., viewing and listening to by the user) at a user's home. Thematiccontent may even be presentable to a user on their mobile devices. Suchthematic content, if in the form of a feature movie or film, may also beavailable at a public location, such as a movie theatre or the like.Other public places, such as bars, restaurants, office lobbies,libraries, or the like, may include televisions or other presentationdevices for viewing thematic content by their patrons.

Thematic content may be provided for user presentation using a varietyof content delivery methods. For example, the thematic content may beprovided to a user's home entertainment system (e.g., their televisionor the like) via a broadcast system or by an on-demand system. Otherdevices, such as the user's portable smart phone, tablet, notebookcomputer, or the like may be used to access thematic content from aremote website or the like via the Internet or other suitablecommunication system. Alternatively, thematic content may be provided tothe user on a portable memory medium, such as a digital video disk(DVD), flash memory device, or the like.

In some situations, a group of friends may go to a public theatre or thelike to view a feature film or other thematic content. Afterwards, thegroup may go to a coffee shop or other location wherein a lively andinteresting conversation about the recently viewed thematic contentensues. Many individuals find such group conversations about thethematic content enjoyable and highly desirable.

In other situations, thematic content may be presented to the user whenthe user is alone or with a limited number of other individuals. In suchsituations, it may be difficult for the user to have a lively andinteresting conversation about the presented thematic content with agroup of other individuals because the other individuals may have notyet seen the thematic content, the other users may have previously seenthe thematic content a relatively long time ago (and have thereforeforgotten the thematic content at least to some extent), or the otherusers may simply not be available to carry on a conversation about thethematic content.

With the advent of the Internet and other communication media, a varietyof social networking systems have been devised wherein individuals mayinput their commentary about a particular thematic content event thatthey have seen. Other users may access such social media facilitatedcommentary. Accordingly, the user may read and/or listen to theone-sided commentary provided by other individuals. However, the userviewing such commentary is not going to have an experience that iscomparable to the above-described group of friends who are together todiscuss a particular thematic content event.

Accordingly, there is a need in the arts to provide a user experiencethat is comparable to, emulates, or at least approximates, theabove-described group of friends who are together to discuss aparticular thematic content event.

SUMMARY

Systems and methods of emulating a conversation about a thematic contentevent are disclosed. An exemplary embodiment receives a member dialoguevideo from a community member who is a member of a plurality ofcommunity members, wherein the member dialogue video includes video andaudio portions, and wherein the member dialogue video expresses at leastone of a personal opinion and a personal viewpoint about the thematiccontent event; generates dialogue text from the audio portion of eachreceived conversation video, wherein the dialogue text comprises wordsand phrases spoken by the community member in the member dialogue video;receives a modified thematic content event; compares the words andphrases of the dialogue text with the plurality of keywords; andassociates at least one portion of the member dialogue video having thewords and phrases of the dialogue text that match with the anchor pointof the matching keyword. The modified thematic content event comprises aplurality of anchor points, wherein each anchor point comprises a uniqueidentifier and an anchor point locator that identifies a location in thethematic content event; and a plurality of keywords, wherein eachkeyword is associated with at least one anchor point, and wherein eachkeyword is a single word or a phrase that is descriptive of acharacteristic of the thematic content event at the location in thethematic content event identified by the associated anchor point.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred and alternative embodiments are described in detail below withreference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a video community systemoperating in a content presentation and communication environment;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example thematic content modify systemthat is configured to generate a modified thematic content event;

FIG. 3 conceptually illustrates a portion of the modified thematiccontent event that has been generated by the modified thematic contentgenerator;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example media device and amobile device that are configured to generate the video and/or audiocommentary that is communicated to the video community system;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the conversation video generator, themodified thematic content storage medium, the community commentaryinformation storage medium, and the conversation video storage medium;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the proof video generator, the communitycommentary information storage medium, and the proof video storagemedium;

FIG. 7 illustrates a conceptual snapshot of an example conversationvideo;

FIG. 8 illustrates a conceptual snapshot of another example conversationvideo;

FIG. 9 illustrates a conceptual snapshot of another example conversationvideo; and

FIG. 10 illustrates a conceptual snapshot of an example proof video.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A. Topology Overview

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a video community system100 operating in a media content presentation and communicationenvironment. Conceptually illustrated is a user 104 who is viewing athematic content event (interchangeably referred to herein as a video)that is being presented on a media presentation system 106, conceptuallyillustrated as a television (TV).

Embodiments of the video community system 100 are configured to receivevideo and/or audio commentary from community members from a member videoand content generator 102, such as the user 104 or a plurality of otherusers (not shown), who have viewed the thematic content event. Thereceived video and/or audio commentary is preferably self-recorded bythe community member and is referred to herein as a member dialoguevideo. The member dialogue video includes video and audio informationthat expresses the personal opinions and/or personal viewpoint of thecommunity member about a particular thematic content event.Additionally, other individuals (not shown) that are knowledgeable aboutthe thematic content event may provide video and/or audio commentary,referred to herein as producer dialogue videos.

Based on the received member dialogue videos and/or producer dialoguevideos about a particular thematic content event, embodiments of thevideo community system 100 then generate a conversation video thatincorporates selected ones of the received member dialogue videos and/orproducer dialogue videos (or portions thereof). The conversation videomay optionally include selected portions of that particular thematiccontent event.

The generated conversation video emulates a conversation about thethematic content event between the user 104 and other community membersand/or knowledgeable individuals. The conversation video is apresentation of selected member dialogue videos (or portions thereof),thereby presenting the personal opinions and/or personal viewpoints ofthe community members about a particular thematic content event.Optionally, the conversation video may include one or more producerdialogue videos (or portions thereof) that have been generated byanother person who is knowledgeable about the thematic content event.Thus, upon viewing the conversation video, the user 104 has anexperience that is comparable to the above-described group of friendswho are together to discuss the thematic content event.

The thematic content event may be provided to the user 104 in a varietyof manners. For example, a content source system 108 may provide a mediacontent stream 110 that is received by a media device 112, such as a settop box (STB) or the like. The thematic content event may beconcurrently broadcast from the content source system 108 to the mediadevice 112 over a suitable video content network 114 along with aplurality of other thematic content events. Alternatively, oradditionally, the thematic content event may be directly accessed via anon-demand system operated by the content source system 108.

In a broadcast environment, one or more media content streams 110 arecommunicated to the media device 112 from the content source system 108,which may include a remote head end facility (not shown), operated by acontent service provider. Non-limiting examples of such video contentnetworks 114 include satellite systems, cable systems, over-the airbroadcast systems, and the Internet. For example, if the content serviceprovider provides a thematic content event via a satellite-basedcommunication system, the media device 112 is configured to receive oneor more broadcasted satellite signals detected by an antenna (notshown). Alternatively, or additionally, the media content stream 110 canbe received from one or more different types of video content networks114, such as, but not limited to, a cable system, an over-the air radiofrequency (RF) communication system, or the Internet.

A particular thematic content event may be obtained from other sources.For example, but not limited to, a thematic content event may be storedin a suitable memory medium, such as a digital video disk (DVD) 116. ADVD player (not shown) may access the thematic content event stored onthe DVD 116, and then communicate the accessed thematic content event tothe media device 112 or to the media presentation system 106. Othernon-limiting examples that may access a stored thematic content eventinclude electronic devices, such as a personal computer, a smart phone,a tablet or the like may have a memory medium that has stored thethematic content event. Such electronic devices, when communicativelycoupled to a display (or that include a display), may present theaccessed thematic content event to the user 104. (It is also understoodthat such devices have audio presentation systems which present theaudio portion of the thematic content event for listening by the user104).

As another non-limiting example, the thematic content event may beaccessed from a remote site 118, such as from an Internet site or thelike, that provides thematic content to a plurality of users via thecommunication network 120. The communication network 120 is illustratedas a generic communication system. In one embodiment, the communicationnetwork 120 may be the Internet, a telephony system, a public or privateWi-fi system, a microwave communication system, a fiber optics system,an intranet system, a local access network (LAN) system, an Ethernetsystem, a cable system, a radio frequency system, a cellular system, aninfrared system, a satellite system, or a hybrid system comprised ofmultiple types of communication media. Additionally, embodiments of thecommunication network 120 may be implemented to communicate using othertypes of communication technologies, such as but not limited to, digitalsubscriber loop (DSL), X.25, Internet Protocol (IP), Ethernet,Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) and asynchronous transfermode (ATM). Also, embodiments of the communication network 120 may beconfigured to communicate over combination systems having a plurality ofsegments which employ different formats for each segment that employdifferent technologies on each segment.

B. Conversation Video and Proof Video

Embodiments of the video community system 100 employ a plurality ofnovel techniques to create thematic content event-based conversationsthat emulate an experience that is comparable to the above-describedgroup of friends who are together to discuss a particular thematiccontent event, defined herein as emulated conversation content. Theemulated conversation content exists in two forms: the conversationvideo and a proof video.

Each conversation video is associated with a particular thematic contentevent of interest. For example, the thematic content event of interestand the conversation video may have the same or similar titles. Or, partof the conversation video data includes the title of the thematiccontent event of interest so that when a request for a particularthematic content event is received from the user 104, the title includedin the conversation video data can be used to identify and provide theassociated conversation video since the title matches the title of thethematic content event. If needed, other portions of the conversationvideo data can have clues or the like that can be used to identify andprovide the associated conversation video since the speaker is likelytalking about a particular thematic content event.

The conversation video emulates a conversation about a particularthematic content event between the user 104 and other community members(users) and/or knowledgeable individuals. The presented conversationvideo may include conversations on a plurality of the scenes in thethematic content event. The order of conversation about the scenes maybe presented in an order that corresponds to the presentation of scenesin the thematic content event. Alternatively, or additionally, groups ofrelated topic scenes may be discussed together. Any suitablepresentation order of scene discussion may be used by the variousembodiments.

Alternatively, or additionally, the presented conversation video mayinclude conversations on one or more topics pertaining to the thematiccontent event. An example conversation video may include a conversation(video and/or audio commentary) provided by a plurality of communitymembers and/or another knowledgeable individuals that are particularlyknowledgeable about the topic of interest. For any given topic, one ormore conversations (or portions thereof) are sequentially assembledtogether to emulate a conversation about that topic. A conversationvideo may address only a single topic, or may present a plurality ofdifferent topics. For example, but not limited to, a conversation videomay present a series of different topics, wherein each topic correspondsto a particular scene of the thematic content event, and the order ofthe presented conversation video topics correspond to the order of theassociated scenes in the thematic content event.

As another example, the conversation video topics may include commentarypertaining to one or more particular themes. The conversation videotopics may include a discussion about one or more particularlyinteresting scenes (such as a discussion about the subject matter of thescene, a discussion about aspects pertaining to the scene setting,and/or a discussion about special effects) that were presented in thethematic content event. Another example conversation video topic mayinclude commentary on the performance of the actors, such as overallperformance throughout the thematic content event and/or a particularactor's performance in a particular scene.

The conversation video may optionally include one or more selectedportions of the thematic content event (video portions and/or audioportions) itself to facilitate the emulated conversation about aparticular topic of the thematic content event. For example, during aconversation about a particular scene, the scene or a portion thereofmay be presented as part of the conversation video to remind the user104 of the scene.

Such scenes or portions thereof may be presented using any suitableformat, such as a picture over picture format, a picture in pictureformat, a split screen format, a full screen format, or the like,wherein the presented scene is relatively smaller than the view field ofthe display presenting images of the speaker. Alternatively, images ofthe current speaker may be relatively smaller than the view field of thedisplay that is presenting the scene.

In some instances, all of or selected portions of the audio portion ofthe scene may be omitted to permit continued presentation of communitymember audio commentary. In other situations, the volume of the audioportion of the scene may be reduced to a relatively lower level so thatcontinued presentation of community member commentary may be presentedat a higher volume level.

Additionally, or alternatively, selected portions of other thematiccontent events may be added into the conversation video to furtherfacilitate conversation about the thematic content event. For example,the current thematic content event being discussed may be a sequel in aseries of related movies. At times, portions of one or more of theprequels may be added into the conversation video to facilitate acurrent discussion that is being presented in the conversation video. Insome instances, the conversation video may at times discuss or providecommentary to such other thematic content events.

Textual information may also be presented to the user 104 as part of theconversation video. A pop-up window, a banner, or the like may presentany suitable textual information of interest. The textual informationmay be presented as a stream of textual information scrolling across thebanner. The textual information may describe some aspect of thecurrently discussed topic of the conversation video. Alternatively, oradditionally, the textual information may identify actors, provide scenesetting or location information, and/or describe other characteristicsof the thematic content event. Alternatively, or additionally, thetextual information may identify the particular community member(s) orother individual(s) providing commentary during the conversation video.

The proof video presents video and audio commentary from one or morecommunity members wishing to become a recognized expert. The proof videocommentary presents personal opinions and views of a particularcommunity member about a particular thematic content event and/or aparticular genre and/or topic pertaining to the thematic content event.Proof videos provide an opportunity for the particular community memberto establish (prove) to the “community” that they are very knowledgeableabout some aspect of a particular thematic content event and/or aparticular genre and/or topic pertaining to the thematic content event.Embodiments of the video community system 100 generate the proof videousing rant videos from the community member and endorsement videos fromother knowledgeable individuals.

Based on the viewing of the proof video by other community members,optionally including the user 104, community members may “vote” for thatparticular member as an affirmation, or as a denial of affirmation, ofthat particular member's assertion that they are knowledgeable in aparticular thematic content event and/or a particular genre and/or topicpertaining to the thematic content event. For example, the user 104,upon viewing a particular proof video of a particular member, mayprovide a “thumbs up” vote as an affirmation (an affirmation vote) ifthe user likes the proof video. On the other hand, the user 104 mayprovide a “thumbs down” vote (a denial of affirmation vote) if the user104 dislikes the proof video.

Based on votes from community members, that particular community membermay eventually be affirmed within the community as a recognized expert.That is, that community member may become recognized within thecommunity as being particularly knowledgeable about a particularthematic content event and/or a particular genre and/or topic pertainingto the thematic content event.

Affirmation may be achieved by a community member, in an exampleembodiment, after a predefined number of other community members provideaffirmation votes greater than or at least equal to a threshold numberof affirmation votes after viewing the proof video of that particularcommunity member. Alternatively, or additionally, affirmation may beachieved if the community member has a voting ratio of affirmation votesto denial of affirmation votes that is greater than or at least equal toa predefined ratio.

Further, affirmation status may be maintained so long as the communitymember maintains a predefined maintenance threshold ratio (which may bedifferent than the predefined threshold ratio for achievingaffirmation), and/or maintains the number of affirmation votes abovesome predefined maintenance threshold number (which may be differentthan the predefined threshold number of affirmation votes for achievingaffirmation). In some embodiments, community members may later changetheir proof video voting from an affirmation vote to a denial ofaffirmation vote, or vice versa.

Once a community member has been recognized as being an expert in thecommunity, that particular community member's commentary about aparticular thematic content event may be given a preference and/or ahigher priority for becoming selected for inclusion into a generatedconversation video. That is, because it is more desirable to includecommentary from a notoriously well known and recognized community memberthan from a non-recognized or relatively unknown community member, theircommentary is more likely to be included in a conversation video.

Further, denial or loss of an affirmation a community member may providea basis to exclude that particular member's commentary from futuregenerated conversation videos. A community member may be deniedaffirmation if they receive a threshold number of denial of affirmationvotes and/or if the ratio of affirmation to denial of affirmation votesfalls below some predefined threshold. Further, a previously recognizedexpert community member may lose their expert status if they receive athreshold number of denial of affirmation votes (which may be differentthan the predefined threshold number of affirmation votes for achievingaffirmation) and/or if the ratio of affirmation to denial of affirmationvotes falls below some predefined threshold (which may be different thanthe predefined threshold ratio for achieving affirmation).

C. The Video Community System

The first novel technique used in the generation of emulatedconversation content (the “conversation video”) is the generation of amodified thematic content event. A modified thematic content event isgenerated from a thematic content event by addition of anchor points andassociated keywords to the thematic content event.

Generation of the modified thematic content event is preferablyperformed at the thematic content modify system 122 by the producer ofthe thematic content event. The generated modified thematic contentevent is then provided to the video community system 100, and is storedin the modified thematic content storage medium 124 for laterprocessing.

Alternatively, or additionally, the modified thematic content event maybe generated by another knowledgeable party or entity having access to,and the ability to modify, the thematic content event. For example, butnot limited to, a content service provider operating the content sourcesystem 108 is a knowledgeable entity that may generate, and/or furthermodify, the thematic content event to generate the modified thematiccontent event. Another example of a knowledgeable party may be a filmcritic person. An agent of the producer may be another example of aknowledgeable party.

Once generated, the modified thematic content event may be communicatedor provided to the video community system 100 using any suitable meansvia any suitable communication system. As a non-limiting example, themodified thematic content event may be in an electronic format, whichmay then be communicated in the electronic format to the video communitysystem 100 from an Internet website or the like, via the examplecommunication network 120 or other suitable communication system.Alternatively, or additionally, the modified thematic content event maybe stored on a physical memory medium, which may then be physicallytransferred to the video community system 100.

Embodiments of the video community system 100 comprise a conversationcontent generator 126 that generates proof videos and conversationvideos. The proof video generator 128 generates proof videos which arestored in the proof video storage medium 130. The proof videos aregenerated based on video and audio commentary, referred to herein as arant video, provided by a particular community member seekingaffirmation as a recognized expert about one or more particular thematiccontent events and/or a particular genre and/or topic pertaining to thethematic content event. Proof videos are available for presentation tothe user 104 who wishes to view proof videos of that particularcommunity member.

The conversation content generator 126 further includes a conversationvideo generator 132 that generates the conversation videos. Conversationvideos are generated based on conversations (video and/or audiocommentary) on one or more topics pertaining to the thematic contentevent that have been received from a community member or otherknowledgeable party. The conversation videos are stored in theconversation video storage medium 134, and are available forpresentation to the user 104 who wishes to view the commentary videothat is associated with a particular thematic content event of interest.

Embodiments of the video community system 100 further comprise aproducer interface 136 that receives producer dialogue videos (videoand/or audio commentary) from producers of the thematic content event orother knowledgeable parties. The video community system 100 alsocomprises a member interface 138 that receives member dialogue videos(video and/or audio commentary) from community members (i.e., the userswho view the thematic content event and provide their commentary). Thereceived producer dialogue videos and member dialogue videos are storedin the community commentary information storage medium 140.

The video community system 100 optionally includes a processing system142 configured to manage the proof video generator 128 and theconversation video generator 132. In some embodiments, the processingsystem 142 includes a plurality of distributed processing devices thatreside in the proof video generator 128 and the conversation videogenerator 132, and/or in other components of the video community system100. Any suitable processing device may be used in the processing system142.

A content manager interface 144 is included for inputting instructions,as needed, for operation of the processing system 142. Thus, theoperator of the video community system 100 may provide via the contentmanager interface 144 specific inputs, update programming, mangestorage, and perform other tasks as necessary to manage operation of thevideo community system 100. The content manager interface 144 mayinclude a keyboard and/or other suitable input devices, a displayscreen, and optionally its own processor system (not shown) tofacilitate input from the operator. In some embodiments, the contentmanager interface 144 may be a personal computer, a dedicated computingsystem, or the like that interfaces with the processing system 142 ofthe video community system 100.

In other embodiments, one or more of the elements of the video communitysystem 100 may be combined with each other and/or may be integrated withother elements not specifically described or illustrated herein.Further, elements illustrated separately from the video community system100, such as the thematic content modify system 122 or other elements,may be included in the video community system 100 and/or may beintegrated with other elements of the video community system 100.

D. The Modified Thematic Content Event

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example thematic content modify system122 that is configured to generate a modified thematic content event.The example thematic content modify system 122 comprises an operatorinterface 202, a thematic content processing system 204 that receivesand processes a thematic content event, an anchor point adder 206 thatadds anchor points into a processed thematic content event, a keyworddescriptor adder 208 that adds keyword descriptors into a processedthematic content event and that associates added keyword descriptorswith particular anchor points, and a modified thematic content generator210 that generates the modified thematic content event (which includesthe added anchor points and the associated keyword descriptors). Theelements of the thematic content modify system 122 are illustrated anddescribed separately for clarity. In other embodiments, one or more ofthe elements of the thematic content modify system 122 may be combinedwith each other and/or may be integrated with other elements notspecifically described or illustrated herein.

In the example embodiment, a single thematic content modify system 122is illustrated in FIG. 2. However, a plurality of thematic contentmodify systems 122 may be used to generate different modified thematiccontent events. For example, a plurality of different media contentproducers and/or content providers may have their own thematic contentmodify systems 122. Additionally, or alternatively, another party orentity having access to, and the ability to modify, the thematic contentevent may have a thematic content modify system 122 to generate amodified thematic content event.

Further, a thematic content modify system 122 may be used to furthermodify a previously generated modified thematic content event. Forexample, additional key words and/or anchor points may be added.Alternatively, or additionally, selected key words and/or anchor pointsmay be modified and/or deleted.

In practice the thematic content processing system 204 receives aparticular thematic content event 212. The thematic content event 212may be received in a streaming fashion in a received media contentstream 110, or may be accessed from a memory medium upon which thethematic content event 212 has been previously stored on.

In the various embodiments, a received thematic content event 212 isprocessed to generate the modified thematic content event 214 bydefining a plurality of anchor points for the thematic content event212. An anchor point is a type of identifier that is used to identify aparticular point in the thematic content event 212, that is used toidentify a location in the thematic content event 212, and/or that isused to identify a portion of the thematic content event 212. Eachanchor point comprises an anchor point identifier and an anchor pointlocator.

The anchor point identifier is a unique identifier that uniquelyidentifies a particular anchor point. Thus, each defined anchor point ofthe thematic content event 212 may be uniquely identified from the otheranchor points based on its unique anchor point identifier. The anchorpoint identifier may be any suitable unique identifier, such as anumeric identifier, an alphabetic identifier, and/or an alpha numericidentifier.

The anchor point locator identifies the particular location and/orportion of interest in the thematic content event 212. An example anchorpoint locator may be associated with a particular video frame of thethematic content event 212 to locate a particular point in the thematiccontent event. As another example, a frame identifier (ID) or the likemay be used to define an anchor point locator.

Alternatively, or additionally, the anchor point locator may beassociated with a particular scene of the thematic content event 212.For example, a scene ID in the meta data may be used to define an anchorpoint locator that is associated with a particular scene of interest.

A scene may have multiple anchor points. For example, the anchor pointmay be added to identify different subject matter or topics that mayoccur at different points, or even at the same point, in the same sceneor in a plurality of scenes. Alternatively, or additionally, multipleanchor points may be associated with different points or events in ascene.

Alternatively, or additionally, a particular time in the thematiccontent event 212 may be used to define an anchor point locator. Forexample, a time from the starting time of the thematic content event 212may be specified as the anchor point locator. Or a presentation timeassociated with a particular video frame of interest may be specified asan anchor point locator.

Alternatively, or additionally, a portion of the thematic content event212 may be used to define a duration type anchor point locator thatdefines a particular portion of the modified thematic content event. Forexample, a duration type anchor point locator may be associated with aparticular scene of interest, or even a smaller portion of a scene ofinterest. Alternatively, or additionally, a duration type anchor pointlocator may be associated with a larger portion that spans a pluralityof scenes that are presenting a related portion of the thematic contentevent. For example, the plurality of scenes may have a relatedparticular subject matter, and/or may have a related particular topic,of the thematic content event 212. An anchor point locator associatedwith a duration of the thematic content event 212 may be defined by astarting time or a particular identified video frame, plus a specifiedduration. Alternatively, or additionally, the duration of a durationtype anchor point locator may be a specified using start time or videoframe, and a specified end time or video frame. A plurality of durationtype anchor points may even overlap the same portions of the thematiccontent event 212.

A keyword descriptor is associated with at least one particular anchorpoint. Each keyword descriptor comprises a unique keyword identifier andat least one keyword.

The keyword identifier is a unique identifier of the keyword descriptor.Thus, each defined keyword descriptor may be uniquely identified fromthe other keyword descriptors based on their unique keyword identifier.The keyword identifier may be any suitable unique identifier, such as anumeric identifier, an alphabetic identifier, and/or an alpha numericidentifier. Thus, a single keyword descriptor may be uniquely associatedwith a single anchor point. In an example embodiment, the keywordidentifier may be the same as the anchor point identifier.

Alternatively, the keyword identifier and the anchor point identifiermay be different from each other. When the keyword identifier and theanchor point identifier are different, they are associated with eachother. Thus, a unique keyword descriptor may be uniquely associated witha identifier of a designated anchor point. Further, a selected uniquekeyword descriptor may be uniquely associated with a plurality ofdesignated anchor point identifiers. Accordingly, keywords of aparticular keyword descriptor may be associated with multiple anchorpoints, and therefore be associated with multiple portions of thethematic content event 212.

Keywords are words or phrases that are descriptive of an attribute ofthe portion of the thematic content event 212 that has been associatedwith that particular anchor point. A keyword descriptor may have as fewas one keyword, or may have many different keywords.

Any suitable keyword may be used in a keyword descriptor. An examplekeyword may be related to the subject matter theme of the associatedportion of the thematic content event 212. Another example keyword maypertain to some aspect or characteristic of the scene set and/orlocation where that associated portion of the thematic content event 212was filmed. Another example keyword may describe some aspect orcharacteristic of the dialogue, or may be the actual dialogue, of thatassociated portion of the thematic content event 212. Another examplekeyword may pertain to some aspect or characteristic of the sound track,such as particular sounds or music, of that associated portion of thethematic content event 212. Another example keyword may be descriptiveof an event that was portrayed in the associated portion of the thematiccontent event 212. Keywords may identify particular actors performing inthe associated portion of the thematic content event 212. Keywords mayalso include interesting trivia pertaining to any of the above-describedaspect or characteristic of the portion of the thematic content event212 that has been associated with the associated anchor point.

In practice, a received thematic content event 212 is processed bydefining anchor points for portions or locations of interest in thethematic content event 212, and by defining associated keyworddescriptors for the portions or locations of the thematic content event212 identified by the particular associated anchor point. The modifiedthematic content generator 210 generates a modified thematic contentevent 214 that includes the original thematic content event 212, thedefined anchor points, and the associated keyword descriptors. Themodified thematic content event 214 may then be stored into a suitablememory medium, such as the example modified thematic content storagemedium 124 (FIG. 1). In some embodiments, the generated modifiedthematic content event 214 may be communicated, such as in a mediacontent stream or the like, to another device for storage.

In practice, an operator of the thematic content modify system 122specifies locations or portions in the thematic content event 212 thatare to have an anchor point defined for. Additionally, the operatorspecify at least one keyword that is to be added to the keyworddescriptor for that associated anchor point.

Alternatively, or additionally, a first operator may define anchorpoints and at a later time a second operator (or even the firstoperator) may specify the associated keywords separately. Further, thesecond operator (or even the first operator) may later add new anchorpoints (and associated keywords), later modify the location informationfor anchor points, and/or later delete anchor points, to further modifya previously generated modified thematic content event 214.

FIG. 3 conceptually illustrates a portion of the modified thematiccontent event 214 that has been generated by the modified thematiccontent generator 210 (FIG. 2). The portion of the modified thematiccontent event 214 is conceptually illustrated as a media content stream302 that communicates, transports, or otherwise carries, the modifiedthematic content event 214. The media content stream 302 portion of themodified thematic content event 214 comprises a video stream 304, acorresponding audio stream 306, and a corresponding metadata stream 308,and optionally, a closed captioning stream 310.

The video stream 304 is comprised of a plurality of serially sequencedvideo frames 312. Each video frame 312 has data or information used torender and present a particular image of the thematic content event 212.The video frames 312 are serially presented so as to create a movingpicture.

The audio stream 306 may include spoken words, music, and backgroundsounds. The audio stream 306 is sequenced with the video frames 312 suchthat spoken words, music, and background sounds of the audio stream 306correspond in time with the moving picture. In an example embodiment, aspeech synthesis generator may be used to generate a textual version ofthe audio stream dialogue (where the generated textual dialogue may beused to compare with keywords).

Some media content streams 302 may include a metadata stream 308 whichcontains other information of interest pertaining to an associated pointin the thematic content event 212. For example, scene identifiers, scenetransition identifiers, or the like may be included in the metadatastream 308 for scene identification. Descriptive material describingsome aspect or characteristic of an associated point in the thematiccontent event 212 may be included in the metadata stream 308. Forexample, but not limited to, actors may be identified, scene themes maybe described, and/or subject matter may be described. The metadata maydescribe artifacts such as a building or an object shown in the scene.The metadata may describe a location of the scene or some aspect orcharacteristic of the scene set. Any suitable alphanumeric textualinformation may be used for such descriptive information that isincluded in the metadata (where the textual metadata may be used tocompare with keywords).

An optional closed captioning stream 310 is also conceptuallyillustrated as part of the media content stream 302. The closedcaptioning stream 310 is typically a textual presentation of the wordsof the audio stream 306 for hearing impaired viewers or for viewers inan area with relatively loud ambient noise levels, such as a bar or thelike. The text of the closed captioning stream 310 may be in a differentlanguage that the language used for the spoken dialogue of the thematiccontent event 212. The words of the closed captioning stream 310 aresequenced so as to generally correspond to the spoken words of the audiostream 306.

In the various embodiments, the plurality of anchor points are addedinto the media content stream 302 at a suitable location thatcorresponds to a particular location in the thematic content event 212.In an example embodiment, anchor points may be added into the framedata. Alternatively, the anchor points may be embedded in or otherwiseincorporated into the audio stream 306, the metadata stream 308, and/orthe closed captioning stream 310 of the media content stream 302.

FIG. 3 conceptually illustrates a first anchor point 314 a that has beenassociated with a first video frame 312 a. Thus, the anchor pointlocation of the anchor point 314 a corresponds to the location of thevideo frame 312 a. In the example embodiment, the anchor point locatormay be an identifier of the video frame 312 a. Alternatively, the anchorpoint identifier may be a time from start that identifies the locationof the video frame 312 a in the media content stream 302. This exampleanchor point 314 a also has a unique anchor point identifier thatidentifies the anchor point 314 a from other anchor points.

Further, a first keyword descriptor 316 a is conceptually illustrated asbeing associated with the first anchor point 314 a. The first keyworddescriptor 316 a includes its unique identifier, and includes keyword 1through keywords i. Accordingly, the one or more keywords 1-i areassociated with the location of the first anchor point 314 a since thekeyword identifier of the first keyword descriptor 316 a corresponds to,or is the same as, the unique anchor point identifier of the firstanchor point 314 a. Further, because the anchor point location of thefirst anchor point 314 a is associated with the known location of thefirst video frame 312 a, the keywords 1-i are associated with the knownlocation of the first video frame 312 a, and thus, with the portion ofthe thematic content event 212 which the first video frame 312 a isdepicting.

FIG. 3 further conceptually illustrates a second anchor point 314 b thathas been associated with a duration T₁ of the thematic content event 212beginning with the second video frame 312 b. Thus, the anchor pointlocation of the anchor point 314 b corresponds to the beginning locationof the portion of the video frame 312 b, which may be identified by itsidentifier or a time from start. The duration T₁ is identified by aspecified duration as measured from the location of the video frame 312b. Alternatively, the duration T₁ may be determinable by the location ofthe last frame 312 c.

Further, a second keyword descriptor 316 b is conceptually illustratedas being associated with the second anchor point 314 b. The secondkeyword descriptor 316 b includes its unique identifier, and includeskeyword A through keywords n. Accordingly, the one or more keywords A-nare associated with the location of the second anchor point 314 b sincethe identifier of the second keyword descriptor 316 b corresponds to, oris the same as, the unique identifier of the second anchor point 314 b.Further, because the anchor point location of the second anchor point314 b is associated with the known location of the duration T₁, herebeginning at with the second video frame 312 b, the keywords A-n areassociated with the known location of the second video frame 312 b, andthus, with the portion of the thematic content event 212 which theduration T₁ is depicting.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of keyword descriptors may bestored in a keyword descriptor database. Such a keyword descriptordatabase may be separately stored from the media content stream 302. Theinformation in the keyword descriptors may be stored in a relationaldatabase (wherein the keyword identifier is related to the anchor pointidentifier, and wherein the keyword identifier is related to theassociated one or more keywords). In such embodiments, the data storedin the keyword descriptor database may be modified without having toaccess the modified thematic content event 214. Keywords may be added ordeleted. Because the unique keyword identifier (which is not changed ormodified) is associated with the corresponding unique anchor pointidentifier, modifications made to the keywords of the keyword descriptorwill not affect the location relationship between the keywords of thekeyword descriptor and the associated portion of the modified thematiccontent event 214.

Alternatively, the keyword descriptors may be added into the mediacontent stream 302 at a suitable location that corresponds to aparticular location in the anchor point. For example, the keyworddescriptors may be embedded in or otherwise incorporated into the audiostream 306, the metadata stream 308, and/or the closed captioning stream310 of the media content stream 302.

In some embodiments, the anchor point locator is the actual location ofthe embedded anchor point in the media content stream 302.Alternatively, location information identifying a particular location(or duration) may be stored as data in an anchor point database. Thatis, the unique anchor point identifier and the information for theanchor point locator may be stored in an anchor point database, or maybe stored in the same database that is storing the keyword descriptors.For example, the location information for the anchor point locator maybe a frame ID, a scene ID, or a specified time from the start of thethematic content event 212. Thus, the anchor point stored in the anchorpoint data base would be the unique anchor point identifier assigned tothe anchor point and the frame ID, scene ID, or time from start. Aduration and or a duration end time may also be included as part of theanchor point data that is stored in the anchor point database to definea duration. In such embodiments, anchor points may be added (assumingthat the requisite location information is determinable in some manner)and/or may be deleted without having to access the thematic contentevent 212.

In practice, the operator views the received thematic content event 212using the operator interface 202 (FIG. 2). At some point of interest inthe thematic content event 212 that has been identified by the operator,and based on anticipation by the operator that a portion of aconversation video may have discussion relating to that point in thethematic content event 212, the operator provides a suitable input tothe operator interface 202. In response to the operator's input, theanchor point adder 206 generates an anchor point and adds the generatedanchor point into the received thematic content event. Alternatively,the anchor point adder 206 may generate the anchor point identifier anduse the associated location identifier of the location in the thematiccontent event 212 (such as the frame ID, the scene ID and/or the timefrom start) to define the anchor point information, which is then storedin the anchor point database.

Additionally, or optionally, the operator may then specify one or morekeywords that are to be associated with a particular anchor point. Forexample, the operator may initiate generation of the anchor point. Then,the operator may then next specify one or more keywords. The keyworddescriptor adder 208 would then generate a keyword identifier andassociate it with the anchor point identifier of the generated anchorpoint. Then, the specified one or more keywords with the keyworddescriptor identifier are stored in the keyword descriptor database.

As anchor points are generated, and as keyword descriptors areoptionally defined for generated anchor points, the modified thematiccontent generator generates the modified thematic content event 214.Once the processing of the thematic content event 212 has beencompleted, the generated modified thematic content event 214 includes amodified version of the thematic content event 212 that includes thegenerated anchor points and the keyword descriptor database.

E. Member Dialogue Video

In the various embodiments, the conversation video is generated by thevideo community system 100 using selected video and/or audio commentary,or portions thereof, that have been received from the example user 104(FIG. 1), from a plurality of other community members (not shown) whohave also viewed the thematic content event, or from other individuals(not shown) that are knowledgeable about the thematic content event.Various systems and methods used by a member video and content generator102 are configured to receive the member dialogue videos that are usedto generate the conversation video. A member dialogue video comprisesvideo and audio information that expresses the personal opinions and/orpersonal viewpoint of the community member about a particular thematiccontent event. That is, the audio portion of the member dialogue videoverbally expresses at least one of a personal opinion and a personalviewpoint about the thematic content event.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example media device 112 and amobile device 402 that are configured to generate the video and/or audiocommentary, referred to as a member dialogue video. Here, the mediadevice 112 and the mobile device 402 are embodiments of the member videoand content generator 102. A generated member dialogue video is thencommunicated to the video community system 100.

An image capture device (video camera) and an audio capture device(microphone) are used to acquire a community member's (the user's) videoand audio commentary about a particular thematic content event. Inpractice, community members, such as the user 104, view a thematiccontent event (or the modified thematic content event). After theconclusion of the presentation of the thematic content event to the user104, or even during presentation of the thematic content event, the user104 may operate the media device 112 and/or the mobile device 402 toacquire their video and/or audio commentary pertaining to the viewedthematic content event

The device 112, 402 is configured to communicatively couple, via acommunication connection or a communication link established with thevideo community system 100 via the communication network 120.Accordingly, the member dialogue video (the acquired video and/or audiocommentary) may be communicated to the video community system 100 forstorage. An example embodiment of the video community system 100receives the member dialogue video at the member interface 138. Themember dialogue video is saved into the community commentary informationstorage medium 140 at the video community system 100 for laterprocessing by the conversation content generator 126.

The communicated member dialogue video additionally includes informationthat identifies the user 104. Thus, when the video community system 100constructs a conversation video, the identity of the user 104 isdeterminable. The identity information of the user may be the user'sname, nickname, user handle, or the like that has been stored by themedia device 112 or the mobile device 402. Other suitable identifiersmay be used. For example, the phone number of the user may be includedin the conversation video when the mobile device 402 is a cellularphone. In some embodiments, when a communication connection or link isestablished between the devices 112, 402 and the video community system100, information identifying the device 112, 402 may be associated withthe identity of the user 104. For example, a serial number of the device112, 402 may be associated with the name or the like of a communitymember in a database residing at the video community system 100. Such adatabase may reside at another suitable location. As other non-limitingexamples, the devices internet protocol (IP) address, a uniform resourcelocator or the like may be used to identify the user 104.

In some situations, if the user's member dialogue video, or a portionthereof, is incorporated into a generated conversation video, theidentity of the user 104 may be indicated in the conversation video. Forexample, the audio portion of the conversation video may audibly presentthe name of the user 104 before, or after, the user's video and/or audiocommentary is presented. Alternatively, or additionally, the name of theuser 104 may be textually indicated during presentation of theconversation video. For example, a banner or other text box may bepresented while the video and/or audio commentary of that particularuser 104 is being presented in the conversation video.

The member dialogue video presents an opinion or a personal viewpointthat the user 104 has concerning the viewed thematic content event. Theuser 104 may verbally articulate their likes and/or dislikes about thethematic content event in general, about one or more particular scenes,about the performance of one or more actors of the thematic contentevent, about various attributes or characteristics of the film set wherethe thematic content event was filmed, about their reaction to the themeor subject matter of the thematic content event, or about any otheraspect, characteristic, or point of interest of the thematic contentevent. Further, a member dialogue video may be relatively long or may berelatively short.

For example, the mobile device 402 may be provisioned with a pluralityof controllers 404, such as buttons, switches or the like, a display406, and a camera/microphone device 408. The user 104 actuates one ormore of the controllers 404 to cause the mobile device 402 to operatethe camera/microphone device 408 to capture an image 410 of the user 104and to concurrently acquire the user's audio commentary about the viewedthematic content event that is spoken by the user 104.

Examples of the mobile device 402 include cellular phones equipped withvideo functionality, personal device assistants (PDAs), note pads, orportable personal computers (PCs) that are configured to acquire videoand/or audio commentary. Optionally, the mobile device 402 may beconfigurable to present a thematic content event that is received in amedia content stream on its display 406.

In an example embodiment, the acquired video and/or audio commentary isstored in a memory (not shown) of the mobile device 402 until the user104 has decided to end their commentary about the thematic contentevent. Then, the user 104 may review the stored video and/or audiocommentary. The stored video and/or audio commentary may be revised oredited by the user 104 as desired. Then, the acquired video and/or audiocommentary may be communicated from the mobile device 402 to the videocommunity system 100.

Alternatively, or additionally, the mobile device 402 may establish aconnection or link to the video community system 100 before the userinitiates their video and/or audio commentary. Accordingly, the user'svideo and/or audio commentary is communicated to the video communitysystem 100 as it is being captured live by the camera/microphone device408 of the mobile device 402.

In some instances, the video and/or audio commentary may be acquiredwhile the user 104 is viewing the presented thematic content event. Whenthe user 104 wants to add to their video and/or audio commentary, theuser 104 may pause presentation of the thematic content event while thethematic content event video and/or audio commentary is being acquired.When the user 104 has finished their input, presentation of the thematiccontent event is resumed. In embodiments where the thematic contentevent is being presented on a display controlled by the device 112, 402that is acquiring the user's video and/or audio commentary, the device112, 402 may be configured to automatically pause presentation of thethematic content event when the user 104 initiates input of theirthematic content event video and/or audio commentary, and thenautomatically resume presentation when the user 104 stops theircommentary input.

For example, the user 104 may be viewing the thematic content event onthe display 406 of their cell phone 402. When the user 104 actuates oneor more of the controllers 404, the cell phone 402 begins to acquire thevideo and/or audio commentary using the camera/microphone device 408while concurrently pausing presentation of the thematic content event.In some situations, the media device 112 may be presenting the thematiccontent event on the controlled media presentation system 106. Themobile device 402, if communicatively coupled to the example mediadevice 112, may communicate a message or the like to the media device112 which causes the media device 112 to pause presentation of thethematic content event.

In some embodiments, the media device 112 may be configured to acquirethe video and/or audio commentary of the user 104. FIG. 4 furtherpresents a block diagram of selected elements of the media device 112.An exemplary media device 112 is a set top box (STB). Embodiments ofmedia device 112 may include, but are not limited to, stereos,surround-sound receivers, radios, televisions (TVs), digital video disc(DVD) players, digital video recorders (DVRs), game playing devices, orpersonal computers (PCs) that are configured to present a video-basedthematic content event that is received in a media content stream 110.

The exemplary media device 112 is communicatively coupled to the mediapresentation system 106 that includes a visual display device 412, suchas a television (hereafter, generically a TV), and an audio presentationdevice 414, such as a surround sound receiver controlling an audioreproduction device (hereafter, generically, a speaker). Other types ofoutput devices may also be coupled to the media device 112, includingthose providing any sort of stimuli sensible by a human being, such astemperature, vibration and the like. The video portion of the mediacontent event is displayed on the external display 416 and the audioportion of the media content event is reproduced as sounds by one ormore speakers 418. In some embodiments, the media device 112 and one ormore of the components of the media presentation system 106 may beintegrated into a single electronic device.

The non-limiting exemplary media device 112 comprises a media contentstream interface 420, a processor system 422, a memory 424, a programbuffer 426, an optional digital video recorder (DVR) 428, a presentationdevice interface 430, a communication system interface 432, a remoteinterface 434, a camera/microphone 436 (Camera/MIC), and an optionaluser interface 438. The memory 424 comprises portions for storing themedia device logic 440, the electronic program guide (EPG) information442, the video community system processing logic 444, and an optionalbrowser 446. In some embodiments, the media device logic 440, thebrowser 446, and the video community system processing logic 444 may beintegrated together, and/or may be integrated with other logic. In otherembodiments, some or all of these memory and other data manipulationfunctions may be provided by and using remote server or other electronicdevices suitably connected via the Internet or otherwise to a clientdevice. Other media devices (such as, but not limited to the examplemobile device 402) may include some, or may omit some, of theabove-described media processing components. Further, additionalcomponents not described herein may be included in alternativeembodiments.

As noted above, a user 104 may wish to view a thematic content event ofinterest. That is, based upon the user's commands, the media device 112can then control itself and/or the various media devices that it iscommunicatively coupled to, such as the components of the mediapresentation system 106, in accordance with the generated user commands.

The functionality of the media device 112, here a set top box, is nowbroadly described. A media content provider provides media content thatis received in one or more multiple media content streams 110multiplexed together in one or more transport channels. The transportchannels with the media content streams 110 are communicated to themedia device 112 from a media system sourced from a remote head endfacility (not shown) operated by the media content provider.Non-limiting examples of such media systems include satellite systems,cable system, and the Internet. For example, if the media contentprovider provides programming via a satellite-based communicationsystem, the media device 112 is configured to receive one or morebroadcasted satellite signals detected by an antenna (not shown).Alternatively, or additionally, the media content stream 110 can bereceived from one or more different sources, such as, but not limitedto, a cable system, a radio frequency (RF) communication system, or theInternet.

The one or more media content streams 110 are received by the mediacontent stream interface 420. One or more optional tuners 448 residingin the media content stream interface 420 selectively tune to one of thebroadcast-type media content streams 110 in accordance with instructionsreceived from the processor system 422. Other components (not shown) mayalternatively, or additionally, reside in the content stream interface420 to receive other types of media content streams 110.

The processor system 422, executing the media device logic 440 and basedupon a request for a thematic content event of interest specified by auser, parses out media content associated with the thematic contentevent of interest. The thematic content event of interest is thenassembled into a stream of video and/or audio information which may bestored by the program buffer 426 such that the video and audio contentcan be streamed out to components of the media presentation system 106,such as the visual display device 412 and/or the audio presentationdevice 414, via the presentation device interface 430. Alternatively, oradditionally, the parsed out media content may be saved into the DVR 428for later presentation. The DVR 428 may be directly provided in, locallyconnected to, or remotely connected to, the media device 112. Inalternative embodiments, the media content streams 110 may stored forlater decompression, processing and/or decryption.

From time to time, information populating the EPG information 442portion of the memory 424 is communicated to the media device 112, viathe media content stream 110 or via another suitable media. The EPGinformation 442 stores the information pertaining to the scheduledprogramming that includes the thematic content event of interest. Theinformation may include, but is not limited to, a scheduled presentationstart and/or end time, a program channel, and descriptive information.The program's descriptive information may include the title of theprogram, names of performers or actors, date of creation, and a summarydescribing the nature of the program. Any suitable information may beincluded in the program's supplemental information. Upon receipt of acommand from the user 104 requesting presentation of an EPG display, theinformation in the EPG information 442 is retrieved, formatted, and thenpresented on the display 416 as an EPG.

In some embodiments, those particular thematic content event listed inthe EPG that have one or more associated conversation videos may beidentified as such in the EPG. The availability of a conversation videomay be indicated by a suitable color of shading, sect color, text font,text underlining, text bolding or the like. Some embodiments may includea suitable icon on a presented EPG. In some embodiments, the presentedEPG icon may be selectable by the user 104. In such embodiments,selection of the EPG icon may cause the media device 112 to becomeconfigured to receive a user's input conversations on one or more topicspertaining to the thematic content event (the member dialogue video).

The associated conversation video may be directly accessed from the EPGin some embodiments. For example, selection of a presented EPG icon maycause automatic presentation of the conversation video. In anotherembodiment, section of a particular thematic content event listed in theEPG may cause presentation of a pop-up window or the like that permitsthe user to select between presentation of the thematic content event orthe associated conversation video.

The exemplary media device 112 is configured to receive commands fromthe user 104 via a remote control 450. The remote control 450 includesone or more controllers 452. The user 104, by actuating one or more ofthe controllers 452, causes the remote control 450 to generate andtransmit commands, via a wireless signal 454, to the media device 106.The commands control the media device 112 and/or control the mediapresentation devices 128. The wireless signal 454 may be an infrared(IR) signal or a radio frequency (RF) signal that is detectable by theremote interface 434.

The processes performed by the media device 112 relating to theprocessing of the received media content stream 110 and communication ofa presentable media content event to the components of the mediapresentation system 106 are generally implemented by the processorsystem 422 while executing the media device logic 440. Thus, the mediadevice 112 may perform a variety of functions related to the processingand presentation of one or more media content events, the thematiccontent event, and/or the conversation video that is received in themedia content stream 110 or that is received at the communicationinterface 432.

The example media device 112 optionally includes the camera/microphone436. The camera/microphone 436 is an image capture device and a soundcapturing device that is operable to capture the video and/or audiocommentary made by the user when a member dialogue video is being made.Alternatively, or additionally, the camera/microphone 436, and/or one ormore components therein, may be external devices or appliancescommunicatively coupled to the media device 112. For example, a remotecamera and/or microphone may be communicatively coupled to the mediadevice wirelessly, or using a suitable wire connector. In someembodiments, the camera/microphone 436 may be components of anotherdevice, such as the mobile device 402, a video recorder, the remotecontrol 450, a notepad, a laptop computer, a personal computer, apersonal device assistant (PDA), or the like.

The user interface 438 is configured to receive input from the user. Forexample, the user may input their identifying information that isincorporated into the member dialogue video via the user interface 438.Alternatively, the user may input a request for a particularconversation video by specifying a thematic content event of interest.In an example embodiment, the user interface include various controllers(not shown) that are accessible by the user 104. Alternatively, oradditionally, the user interface 438 may be configured tocommunicatively couple to another device, such as a keyboard device, atouchpad device, a mouse device, or the like.

When the user 104 is viewing a proof video of another community member,the user 104 may wish to provide an affirmation vote or a denial ofaffirmation vote for that community member. An actuator, such as abutton, toggle or the like may reside on the surface of the userinterface 438 so that the user 104 may select their vote. In someembodiments, the remote control 450 may be configured to permit the user104 to make an affirmation vote or a denial of affirmation vote. Asuitable pop up screen or the like may be used to graphically indicatethe user's vote selection.

FIG. 4 further conceptually illustrates an image of a scene in athematic content event that the user has selected for presentation.Here, the image shows an actress 456 looking at one of a plurality ofbuildings 458. During presentation of the scene, the user 104 may beparticularly pleased with the performance and/or appearance of theactress 456. The user may decide to provide their video and/or audiocommentary about the impression (personal views) to the community bygenerating a member dialogue video. The example camera/microphone 436captures the user's audio commentary while an image of the user 104 isconcurrently captured. During capture of the member dialogue video, animage 460 of the user 104 may optionally be shown on the display 416using any suitable format, such as a picture over picture format, apicture in picture format, a split screen format, a full screen format,or the like, wherein the presented scene is relatively smaller than theview field of the display. Once the user 104 has completed making theircommentary, the resultant member dialogue video is then communicated tothe video community system 100.

F. Member Rant Video

As described herein, a proof video presents commentary from one or morecommunity recognized experts. The proof video presents opinions andviews of a particular community member about a particular thematiccontent event and/or a particular genre and/or topic pertaining to thethematic content event. The proof video is a tool whereby the generatingcommunity member may become recognized by the community as being anexpert in (based upon received affirmation votes and/or denial ofaffirmation votes received from other community members).

Before a community member is recognized (before receiving receivedaffirmation votes and/or denial of affirmation votes from othercommunity members), the submitting community member generates a memberrant video that presents their opinions and/or views about a particularthematic content event and/or a particular genre and/or topic pertainingto the thematic content event for which they would like to become deemedby the community as being an expert in. That is, before becoming arecognized expert, the submitting community member must submit theirmember rant video to the video community system 100. Then, thesubmitting community member must receive a sufficient number ofaffirmation votes, and/or obtain a sufficient ratio of affirmation votesto denial of affirmation votes, from other community members.Accordingly, the other voting community members need to view the memberrant video, and then vote for affirmation, or vote against affirmation,based on their opinion of the member rant video.

Because the objective of a member rant video is to persuade communitymembers that the submitting community member should be recognized as anexpert in the community as having a special skill and/or knowledge.Accordingly, the member rant video is preferably a passionate monologuethat is made by the submitting community member that demonstrates theirhigh degree of skill or knowledge about a particular thematic contentevent and/or a particular genre and/or topic pertaining to the thematiccontent event.

A community member may generate their member rant video using the device112/402 described in FIG. 4. To initiate generation of a member rantvideo, the submitting community member provides an input that identifiestheir recording of their commentary (video and/or audio commentary) asbeing a member rant video.

A member rant video may be directed to any topic that the submittingcommunity member believes will help establish their expertise in aparticular thematic content event and/or a particular genre and/or topicpertaining to the thematic content event. The submitting communitymember may articulate their opinion about a particular thematic contentevent, their opinion about a particular scene of the thematic contentevent, and/or their opinion about a theme of the thematic content event.The member rant video preferably includes recitation of one or moreconcrete facts about the thematic content event in support of thesubmitting community member's opinion.

As another non-limiting example, a member rant video may present anopinion about a particular actor. The submitting community member'sopinion may be based on a single thematic content event or a pluralityof different thematic content events that the actor was in. The memberrant video preferably includes recitation of one or more concrete factsabout the actor in support of the community member's opinion.

Once the member rant video has been generated, the member rant video iscommunicated to the video community system 100. An example embodiment ofthe video community system 100 receives the member rant video at themember interface 138. The member rant video is saved into the communitycommentary information storage 140 at the video community system 100 forlater processing by the conversation content generator 126

G. Producer Dialogue Video

Similar to a member dialogue video, a producer dialogue video presentsopinions of, views of, and/or information known by, a producer or otherknowledgeable person about a particular thematic content event and/or aparticular genre and/or topic pertaining to the thematic content event.For example, the producer may be verbally providing information ofinterest, such as a fact or the like, pertaining to some aspect orcharacteristic of a particular scene, or portion thereof, in thethematic content event. Accordingly, the producer or other knowledgeableperson may participate in the community discussion when their producerdialogue video, or a portion thereof, is included in a generatedconversation video.

In an example embodiment, the video portion of the producer dialoguevideo shows the producer or other knowledgeable person discussing theirviewpoint or opinion, thereby emulating a person-to-person conversationbetween the viewing user 104 and the producer or other knowledgeableperson making the producer dialogue video.

In an example embodiment, the producer dialogue video is a relativelyshort presentation of video and/or audio commentary of the producer orother knowledgeable person. Thus, a plurality of relatively smallproducer dialogue videos may be generated, wherein each producerdialogue video pertains to a specified scene and/or topic of thethematic content event. Such producer dialogue videos are in contrastwith prior art director cuts, which are typically audio commentary thatis made over the course of the entirety of the thematic content event,and which replaces the audio sound track of the thematic content event.That is, the audio portion of a producer dialogue video does not replaceportions of the soundtrack of the thematic content event, and portionsof the included video portion of a producer dialogue video are differentfrom the corresponding video portion of the thematic content event.

The commentary (video and/or audio commentary) of the producer dialoguevideo may be created by the device 112, 402, or a similarly configuredelectronic device (having an image capture/audio capture device, and away to communicate or store the generated producer dialogue video). Aproducer dialogue video is communicated to the video community system100 for optional inclusion in a generated conversation video. An exampleembodiment of the video community system 100 receives the producerdialogue video at the producer interface 136. The producer dialoguevideo is saved into the community commentary information storage 140 atthe video community system 100 for later processing by the conversationcontent generator 126.

Alternatively, or additionally, the thematic content modify system 122(FIG. 2) may be provisioned with the camera/microphone 436 or similardevice. The producer dialogue video may be incorporated into themodified thematic content event or may be separately communicated to thevideo community system 100 (with an associating identifier thatassociates the producer dialogue video with the thematic content eventthat pertains to the commentary of the producer dialogue video).

When the producer or other knowledgeable person is creating the producerdialogue video, the producer dialogue video or portions thereof may beassociated with one or more anchor points. Accordingly, one or morerelatively small producer dialogue videos may be associated with aparticular anchor point. Thus, the producer dialogue video is associatedto a specified scene, topic, and/or location of the thematic contentevent.

Alternatively, or additionally, one or more keywords may be associatedwith a producer dialogue video. The associated keywords are later usedby the video community system 100 to facilitate generation of aconversation video. The associated keywords may be later correlated withthe anchor point keywords, and thus become associated with a particularscene, topic, and/or location in the thematic content event.

In some situations, the producer dialogue video may include portions ofselected scenes in the thematic content event. For example, a pictureover picture format, a picture in picture format, a split screen format,a full screen format, or the like, wherein the presented scene isrelatively smaller than the view field of the display presenting animage of the speaker. Alternatively, images of the current speaker maybe relatively smaller than the view field of the display that ispresenting the scene.

Individuals that might create a producer dialogue video includeproducers of the film and other parties, such as actors, directors,editors, screen writers, film critics, and/or soundtrack composers.Multiple individuals may cooperatively work together to create aproducer dialogue video.

The producer dialogue video may include video from other sources, suchas other thematic content events or a specially created video.Alternatively, or additionally, the producer dialogue video may includeselected audio from other sources, such as a special soundtrack or othermusic.

H. Endorsement Video

A proof video commentary presents opinions and views of a particularrecognized community member about a particular thematic content eventand/or a particular genre and/or topic pertaining to the thematiccontent event. The community member may have been deemed by thecommunity as being an expert in (based upon received affirmation votesand/or denial of affirmation votes received from other communitymembers). To obtain recognition, the submitting community membergenerates a member rant video. To bolster the persuasiveness of aparticular member rant video, a producer or other knowledgeable personmay generate an endorsement video. The endorsement video may beincorporated into the submitting community member's rant video.

For example, the director of a thematic content event and/or one or moreactors in the thematic content event may be familiar with the submittingcommunity member. They may have a high opinion of the submittingcommunity member, and thus wish to see that submitting community memberbecome a recognized expert. Accordingly, the director and/or actor maygenerate an endorsement video that presents their favorable opinion ofthe submitting community member. Preferably, the director and/or actorare notoriously well known and respected by the community members.

When other community members view a proof video that includes thesubmitting member's rant video, and that further includes one or moreendorsement videos, the added endorsement videos may further influencethe community member to give an affirmation vote to the submittingcommunity member. For example, a community member may somewhat like themember's proof video, but may not be persuaded enough to give thesubmitting community member an affirmation vote. However, if the famousactor John Smith has prepared an endorsement video included in themember proof video that supports the submitting community member, thenthe community member viewing the submitting member's proof video maythen become sufficiently persuaded to give the submitting communitymember an affirmation vote.

The endorsement video may be created by the device 112, 402, or asimilar electronic device. Alternatively, or additionally, the thematiccontent modify system 122 (FIG. 2) may be provisioned with thecamera/microphone 436 or similar device so that an endorsement video maybe generated using the content modify system 122. The endorsement videois communicated to the video community system 100 for optional inclusionin a member proof video.

An example embodiment of the video community system 100 receives theendorsement video at the producer interface 136. The endorsement videois saved into the community commentary information storage 140 at thevideo community system 100 for later processing by the conversationcontent generator 126.

I. Association of Dialogue Videos with Thematic Content Events

When a conversation video is to be generated by the conversation contentgenerator 126, an emulated conversation is generated based on receivedmember dialogue videos, and optionally the producer dialogue videos,that pertain to a particular thematic content event. In view that thereare many different thematic content events for which a conversationvideo will be generated, one skilled in the art appreciates that themany received member dialogue videos and producer dialogue videos mustbe correctly associated with the particular thematic content event thatthe conversation content generator 126 is generating the conversationvideo generated for. That is, if a particular member dialogue videopertains to the thematic content event “A” and does not related to otherthematic content events, then when the conversation content generator126 generates the conversation video for the thematic content event “A”,that particular member dialogue video is a candidate for inclusion inthe generated conversation video. On the other hand, when theconversation content generator 126 generates a conversation video for adifferent one of the thematic content events, that particular memberdialogue video is not a candidate for inclusion in the generatedconversation video. Accordingly, a first problem solved by embodimentsof the video community system 100 is correctly associating each receivedmember dialogue video and each received producer dialogue video with atleast one particular thematic content event.

In some situations, a received one of the member dialogue videos and/orproducer dialogue videos may pertain to multiple thematic contentevents. Accordingly, embodiments of the video community system 100correctly associate some received member dialogue videos and receivedproducer dialogue videos with a multiple thematic content events.

Further, once a particular member dialogue video or producer dialoguevideo has been correctly associated with a particular thematic contentevent(s), then the pertinent location that the member dialogue video orproducer dialogue video is commenting upon must be identified. Forexample, if a particular portion of a generated conversation video ispresenting commentary on a particular scene, then those member dialoguevideos or producer dialogue videos that provide commentary on thatparticular scene should be selected and grouped together in thatparticular portion of the conversation video.

For example, commentary relating to the conclusion of a thematic contentevent should occur preferably in one place in the conversation video,and preferably at the end of the conversation video. Otherwise, thecontinuity of the emulated conversation will seem unnatural to the user104 viewing the conversation video. To further illustrate, in a memberdialogue video providing commentary on the opening scene of the thematiccontent event is included in the emulated conversation about theconclusion of the thematic content event, then the flow of the emulatedconversation will likely become disrupted, and therefore may becomedistracting or displeasing to the user 104. Accordingly, a secondproblem solved by embodiments of the video community system 100 iscorrectly associating each received member dialogue video and eachreceived producer dialogue video (or portions thereof) with a particularrelevant location within the thematic content event.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the conversation video generator 132, themodified thematic content storage medium 124, the community commentaryinformation storage medium 140, and the conversation video storagemedium 134. The conversation video generator 132 comprises theconversation video generation logic 502, a conversation video inputinterface 504, a conversation video output interface 506, and a workingthematic content event 508. The working thematic content event 508comprises video/audio data of the thematic content event 510, workinganchor points 512, and working keywords 514.

The modified thematic content storage medium 124 stores a plurality ofmodified thematic content events, illustrated as modified thematiccontent event 1 through modified thematic content event i. The firstmodified thematic content event 516 (illustrated as “MTCE 1”) includesthe video/audio data of the thematic content event 518, a plurality ofanchor points 520 (illustrated as “anchor points 1”), and a plurality ofkeywords 522 (illustrated as “keywords 1”). Similarly, the secondmodified thematic content event 524 (illustrated as “MTCE 2”) includesthe video/audio data of the thematic content event 526, a plurality ofanchor points 528 (illustrated as “anchor points 2”), and a plurality ofkeywords 530 (illustrated as “keywords 2”). Finally, a last one of theplurality of modified thematic content events 532 (illustrated as “MTCEi”) includes the video/audio data of the thematic content event 534, aplurality of anchor points 536 (illustrated as “anchor points i”), and aplurality of keywords 538 (illustrated as “keywords i”). In alternativeembodiments, one or more of the modified thematic content events may bestored in a distributed fashion using other memory mediums

The community commentary information storage medium 140 stores aplurality of member dialogue videos, illustrated as the first memberdialogue video 540 (illustrated as “MDV 1”) through a last memberdialogue video 542 (illustrated as “MDV i”), and a plurality of producerdialogue videos, illustrated as the first producer dialogue video 544(illustrated as “PDV 1”) through a last producer dialogue video 546(illustrated as “PDV i”). The community commentary information storagemedium 140 further includes the identifier database 548 that stores anidentifier for each of the stored member dialogue videos and producerdialogue videos. Further, the identifier includes an association betweenthe member dialogue videos and/or the producer dialogue videos with oneor more thematic content events. In alternative embodiments, one or moreof the member dialogue videos, producer dialogue videos, and/or theinformation in the identifier database 548 may be stored in adistributed fashion using other memory mediums.

The conversation video storage medium 134 stores a plurality ofgenerated conversation videos, illustrated as the first conversationvideo 550 (illustrated as “conversation video 1”) through a lastconversation video 552 (illustrated as “conversation video i”). Inalternative embodiments, one or more of the conversation videos may bestored in a distributed fashion using other memory mediums.

When each member dialogue video or producer dialogue video is receivedat the conversation video input interface 504, embodiments of theconversation content generator 126, executing audio-to-text translationengine 554 (ATTE) of the conversation video generation logic 502 (usingthe processing system 142 or another suitable processor system),accesses the audio portion of the member dialogue video or producerdialogue video. An audio to text conversion is performed by the ATTE 554wherein the verbal commentary in the member dialogue video or producerdialogue video is converted to text.

Then, the text of the member dialogue video or producer dialogue videois compared to the keywords of each of the plurality of modifiedthematic content events by a text-based search engine 556 (SE) of theconversation video generation logic 502. Embodiments of the videocommunity system 100 may use any suitable text-based search engine 556.The text-based search engine 556 is an engine that compares text of afirst element with words of a plurality of second elements. Here, thefirst element is an analyzed member dialogue video or producer dialoguevideo where the text has been determined by the ATTE 554 based on thedialogue on the commentary of the analyzed member dialogue video orproducer dialogue video. The plurality of second search elements are theplurality of generated modified thematic content events having aplurality of predetermined keywords (associated with anchor points).Thus, the determined text of the analyzed member dialogue video orproducer dialogue video is compared with the keywords of one or more ofthe modified thematic content events.

When a sufficient number of words in the text of the analyzed memberdialogue video or producer dialogue video match with the keywords of aparticular modified thematic content event, then the analyzed memberdialogue video or producer dialogue video is then associated with thatparticular modified thematic content event. In the various embodiments,each of the member dialogue videos or producer dialogue videos are givena unique identifier. Each of the modified thematic content events alsohave unique identifiers. Thus, when a match is identified, the uniqueidentifier of the member dialogue video or producer dialogue video isassociated with the unique identifier of the matching modified thematiccontent event, and the matching pair of unique identifiers permits latergeneration of a conversation generator.

For example, community member John Smith may generate a member dialoguevideo that is communicated to the video community system 100. Thedialogue of John Smith's member dialogue video is converted to text. Atsome point in the dialogue of the member dialogue video, John Smith mayhave spoken the title of the particular thematic content event that heis discussing. Here, the text-based search engine 556 is configured toidentify the words of the title of the particular thematic content eventthat John Smith is commenting on, and then match the spoken words of thetitle with the same title of the modified thematic content event(because example keywords of the modified thematic content event includeits title).

Additionally, or alternatively, John Smith may have spoken about one ormore attributes of a particular scene in a particular thematic contentevent (without mentioning the title of the thematic content event). Forexample, John Smith may have spoken the names of actors in the theme,described one or more particular events occurring in the scene,described a particular theme about the subject matter of the scene,and/or described one or more characteristics of the scene setting. Here,during generation of the modified thematic content events, keywords havepreferably been defined for scenes that John Smith may have spoken aboutin his member dialogue video. Accordingly, the text-based search engine556 is configured to identify the words John Smith may have spokenabout, and then match the spoken words of the plurality of keywords ofthe same modified thematic content event (because example keywords ofthe modified thematic content event include its words that correspond tothe various attributes of the scene). When there are a sufficient numberof matches between the words spoken by John Smith during his discussionof the thematic content event with keywords in a plurality of thematiccontent events, a match with the particular subject thematic contentevent may be determined with a sufficient degree of reliability toconclude that the subject thematic content event has been identified.

In practice, the ATTE 554 receives each member dialogue video orproducer dialogue video and determines text (words) of the dialoguetherein. Optionally, the text-based search engine 556 may identify andomit, or otherwise ignore, insignificant or less significant words fromthe determined text. For example, words such as “and”, “or”, “a”, “an”or the like are not likely to meaningfully contribute to the wordsearching process performed by the text-based search engine 556. Thus,the text-based search engine 556 may include and/or access a list ofpredefined words and/or phrases that will not be used in the searchprocess. Searching can then proceed based on remaining text. Anysuitable word or phrase may be predefined and stored in a list that isaccessed by the text-based search engine 556 to facilitate a searchprocess.

Optionally, some words or phrases will always be used in the searchprocess. For example, the name of a famous actor may be included in alist of predefined words and/or phrases that will be used in the searchprocess. Any suitable word or phrase may be predefined and stored in alist that is accessed by the text-based search engine 556 to facilitatea search process.

In some instances, a received member dialogue video or producer dialoguevideo may be related to multiple thematic content events. Additionally,or alternatively, different portions of a received member dialogue videoor producer dialogue video may be related to different thematic contentevents. The text-based search engine 556 is configured to associate theanalyzed member dialogue video or producer dialogue video with multiplemodified thematic content events, and to associate portions of theanalyzed member dialogue video or producer dialogue video with differentmodified thematic content events.

Information for each received member dialogue video or producer dialoguevideo and its associated one or more member dialogue videos is saved forlater generation of a conversation video for a particular modifiedthematic content event. In an example embodiment, this information isstored in the identifier database 548 of the community commentaryinformation storage medium 140. In other embodiments, the informationmay be saved in other suitable media that is accessible by theconversation video generation logic 502.

In some embodiments, the associated one or more thematic content eventsmay be already associated with a received member dialogue video orproducer dialogue video. In such situations, the conversation videogeneration logic 502 does not need to identify the thematic contentevent with the received member dialogue video or producer dialogue videousing the text-based search engine 556. Rather, the received informationmay be directly stored into the identifier database 548.

For example, but not limited to, the user 104 or the producer may use asuitable interface to type in or otherwise specify the words of thetitle of the particular thematic content event that they are discussing.The words of the title are then automatically included in the memberdialogue video or producer dialogue video that is communicated to thevideo community system 100.

As another example, the user 104 may be watching a particular thematiccontent event while they are generating a member dialogue video. If thedevice 112, 402 that is generating the member dialogue video is alsopresenting the particular thematic content event, or is in communicationwith another device that is presenting the particular thematic contentevent, then the identity of that thematic content event is determinable.For example, the title of the thematic content event may be availablefor the EPG information 442 since the device 112, 402 can identify thepresented thematic content event. A program identifier (PID) or othersuitable identifier may be available from the EPG information 442 and/ormay be available in the metadata of the presented thematic contentevent. The determined identifier may then be automatically included inthe member dialogue video that is communicated to the video communitysystem 100.

As another non-limiting example, the remote control 450 (FIG. 4)provisioned with a camera/microphone 436 may be the device that is usedto generate the member dialogue video. Since the user 104 has previouslyoperated the remote control 450 to select the particular thematiccontent event that the user 104 is discussing, the identity of thatparticular thematic content event is determinable by the remote control450 and/or the controlled media device 112.

In some situations, the media device 112 may be presenting theparticular thematic content event while the user is using their mobiledevice 402 to generate the member dialogue video. Here, the mobiledevice 402 may establish a suitable communication link to the mediadevice 112 and query the media device 112 for the title and/or othersuitable identifier of the currently presented thematic content event.The media device 112 may then determine the identifier of the currentlypresented thematic content event based on the EPG information 442 and/orinformation in the metadata of the thematic content event. Thisidentifying information can then be communicated from the media device112 to the mobile device 402 for automatic inclusion in the generatedmember dialogue video.

If a producer or other knowledgeable person is using the thematiccontent modify system 122 (FIG. 2) to generate their producer dialoguevideo, the title of the thematic content event or other suitableidentifier may then be automatically included in producer dialogue videothat is communicated to the video community system 100. For example, theproducer may type in or otherwise specify the title of the thematiccontent event via the operator interface 202. Alternatively, oradditionally, a program identifier (PID) or other suitable identifiermay be used to automatically identify the thematic content event.

Association of Rant and Endorsement Videos with Community Members

When a community member wishes to become a recognized expert (beingparticularly knowledgeable about a particular thematic content eventand/or a particular genre and/or topic pertaining to the thematiccontent event), the community member generates a rant video the providespersuasive arguments, and preferably supporting facts, for theirassertion that they should become a recognized expert. The identity ofthe community member must be determinable for each received rant video.

In an example embodiment, the community member generating the rant videomay speak their name in an introductory statement or the like. The ATTE554 may then be used by the video community system 100 to determine theidentity of the community member submitting the rant video.

Alternatively, or additionally, the community member may type in theirname using a suitable user interface during generation of the rantvideo. For example, the community member may use the plurality of thecontrollers 452 on the remote control 450 to enter their name when usingtheir remote control to generate the rant video. The community membermay enter their name when using their mobile device 402 to generate therant video. Alternatively, or additionally, the community member mayenter their name via the user interface 438 when generating their rantvideo using the media device 112.

In some embodiments, the identity of the community member may beinferred based on the device that is used to generate the rant video.For example, the media device 112, the mobile device 402 and/or theremote control 450 may have a unique identifier, such as a serial numberor the like. Alternatively, or additionally, account information may beassociated with the media device 112, the mobile device 402 and/or theremote control 450 generating the rant video, wherein the accountinformation is associated with the submitting community member. Forexample, if the mobile device 402 is cellular phone or the like, thetelephone number, subscriber identity module (SIM) card identifier,Global System for Mobile (GSM) Communications identifier, or the likemay be used to determine the identity of the submitting communitymember.

Once the identity of the community member submitting a rant video isdetermined, the identifying information is associated with the rantvideo. This information is saved into the identifier database 548 sothat the submitting community member can be identified when a proofvideo is generated by the video community system 100.

When a proof video is generated, endorsement videos, or portionsthereof, may be included to further bolster the submitting communitymember's assertion that they should become a recognized expert. Forexample, a famous actor, producer, director or other notoriously wellknown person may generate an endorsement video in support of aparticular community member. When an endorsement video is received bythe video community system 100, the identity of the individualgenerating the endorsement video and the intended beneficiary communitymember must be determinable.

In an example embodiment, the individual generating the endorsementvideo may speak their name and/or the name of the intended beneficiarycommunity member in an introductory statement or the like. The ATTE 554may then be used by the video community system 100 to determine theidentity of the individual submitting the endorsement video and theintended beneficiary community member.

Alternatively, or additionally, the individual may type in their nameand/or the name of the intended beneficiary community member using asuitable user interface during generation of the endorsement video. Forexample, the individual may use the plurality of the controllers 452 onthe remote control 450 to enter their name and/or the name of theintended beneficiary community member when using their remote control togenerate the endorsement video. The individual may enter their nameand/or the name of the intended beneficiary community member when usingtheir mobile device 402 to generate the endorsement video.Alternatively, or additionally, the individual may enter their nameand/or the name of the intended beneficiary community member via theuser interface 438 when generating their rant video using the mediadevice 112.

In some embodiments, the identity of the individual generating theendorsement video may be inferred based on the device that is used togenerate the endorsement video. For example, the media device 112, themobile device 402 and/or the remote control 450 may have a uniqueidentifier, such as a serial number or the like. Alternatively, oradditionally, account information may be associated with the mediadevice 112, the mobile device 402 and/or the remote control 450generating the endorsement video, wherein the account information isassociated with the submitting individual. For example, if the mobiledevice 402 is cellular phone or the like, the telephone number,subscriber identity module (SIM) card identifier, Global System forMobile (GSM) Communications identifier, or the like may be used todetermine the identity of the individual submitting the endorsementvideo.

Once the identity of the individual submitting a endorsement video andthe intended beneficiary community member is determined, the identifyinginformation is associated with the endorsement video and the rant videoof the intended beneficiary community member. The information is savedinto the identifier database 548 so that the submitting individual andthe intended beneficiary community member can be identified when a proofvideo is generated by the video community system 100.

J. Conversation Video Generation

Embodiments of the video community system 100 are configured to receivemember dialogue videos (video and/or audio commentary) from the user104, receive member dialogue videos from a plurality of other users,and/or receive producer dialogue videos from other individuals that areknowledgeable about the thematic content event. Based on the receivedvideo and/or audio commentary, embodiments of the video community system100 then generate a conversation video that incorporates selected onesof the received member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos(or portions thereof). The conversation video may optionally includeselected portions of that particular thematic content event. Thegenerated conversation video emulates a conversation about the thematiccontent event between the user 104 and other users and/or knowledgeableindividuals. Thus, upon viewing the conversation video, the user 104 hasan experience that is comparable to the above-described group of friendswho are together to discuss the thematic content event.

A conversation video may be generated that presents a conversationspanning the entirety of a particular thematic content event. In such aconversation video, all of the scenes, or selected scenes ofsignificance to the story line of the thematic content event, may bediscussed in a chronological order that corresponds to the order ofscene presentation in the thematic content event. Alternatively, oradditionally, a plurality of selected scenes that are related to eachother may be discussed as a group in the conversation video.Accordingly, the user 104 upon viewing the conversation video, isexperiencing an emulated conversation among community members and otherknowledgeable persons about the entirety of the thematic content event.

Other conversation videos may discuss particular topics and/orparticular subject matter of a thematic content event. For example, oneor more scenes may be so significantly interesting, and may be of suchsignificant community interest, that the conversation video may befocused on that particular aspect of the thematic content event. Forexample, the thematic content event may have a story line relating tosocial issues that are of great interest to society. Accordingly,discussion relating to other scenes that are not particularly relevantto the social interest topic are omitted from the thematic contentevent. In such a conversation video, selected scenes relating to theparticular topic or subject matter of interest may be discussed in theconversation video. The related scenes may be discussed in achronological order corresponding to the order of scene presentation inthe thematic content event. Alternatively, or additionally, a pluralityof selected scenes that are further related to each other may bediscussed as a group in the conversation video. Accordingly, the user104 upon viewing the conversation video, is experiencing an emulatedconversation among community members and other knowledgeable persons whoare interested in the topic or subject matter of interest.

Alternatively, or additionally, one or more selected scenes may bediscussed in a generated conversation video. For example, a singlescene, or a few selected scenes, may themselves we worthy of their ownconversation video. For example, the thematic content event may employ anew cinematic special effect that has never before been used in thefilming of thematic content events. Accordingly, the user 104 uponviewing the conversation video, experiences an emulated conversationamong community members and other knowledgeable persons about thecinematic special effect of interest

In some situations, multiple thematic content events, or portionsthereof, may be discussed in a generated conversation video. In such aconversation video, selected scenes from the multiple modified thematiccontent events may be discussed. For example, a series of relatedthematic content events may be discussed in a thematic content event onan episode-by-episode basis. Alternatively, the conversation video maypresent a discussion about a particular actor of the series, and/or maypresent a discussion about recurring topic in the plurality of thematiccontent events. Accordingly, the user 104 upon viewing the conversationvideo, experiences an emulated conversation among community members andother knowledgeable persons about a group of related thematic contentevents.

Generation of a conversation video begins when the general structure andarchitecture of a generated conversation video is initially defined,preferably by an operator of the video community system 100. Forexample, the operator may specify that the conversation video is topresent a general discussion about the entirety of a particular thematiccontent event. Alternatively, or additionally, the operator maystructure the conversation video to present a discussion about one ormore special topics and/or about selected specific subject matterpresented in a particular thematic content event and/or multiplethematic content events.

Once the general structure and architecture of the conversation video tobe generated has been defined (which includes a specification of theparticular thematic content events that are to be used for generation ofthe conversation video), the video community system 100 retrieves thespecified modified thematic content event(s) from the modified thematiccontent event storage medium 124. The retrieved modified thematiccontent event is then saved as the working thematic content event 508that is to be processed by the conversation video generation logic 502.For example, if the first thematic content event 516 is specified as thethematic content event that is to form the basis of the generatedconversation video, the stored video/audio data of the thematic contentevent 1 (reference numeral 518) is accessed, and then is stored into thevideo/audio data of the thematic content event 510 for later processingby the conversation video generator 132. The stored anchor points 1 (seereference numeral 520) and the stored keywords 1 (see reference numeral522) of this first thematic content event are also accessed, and thenare stored as the working anchor points 512 and the working keywords514, respectively.

The identifier database 548 is also accessed to identify member dialoguevideos and/or producer dialogue videos that are associated with thespecified thematic content event. Identified member dialogue videosand/or producer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) arethen each analyzed by the ATTE 554 to determine the text of thedialogue. The determined dialogue text of each analyzed member dialoguevideo and/or producer dialogue video is then compared with the keywordsof the specified modified thematic content event by the text-basedsearch engine 556.

The text-based search engine 556 matches determined textual dialoguewith one or more keywords associated with a particular one of the anchorpoints. Then, the corresponding anchor point of that matched keyword isidentified. Based on the anchor point location information of theidentified anchor point, the pertinent location in the modified thematiccontent event that the determined textual dialogue pertains to isidentified. Then, that particular analyzed member dialogue video and/orproducer dialogue video is associated with the identified location inthe modified thematic content event.

As more member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videosassociated with the specified thematic content event are analyzed,additional member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos eachbecome associated with a particular location in the thematic contentevent. In some instances, many member dialogue videos and/or producerdialogue videos are associated with same location in the thematiccontent event (identified by the location information in the associatedanchor points).

Some member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos may providecommentary about different portions of the specified thematic contentevent. The conversation video generation logic 502 is configured toidentify and parse out the different discussion portions of an analyzedmember dialogue video or analyzed producer dialogue video. Then, foreach parsed out individual discussion, the conversation video generationlogic 502 identifies the particular relevant location in the thematiccontent event for each of the parsed out discussion portions.

Typically, a member dialogue video and/or a producer dialogue video maytransition from one discussion to another discussion throughout thecourse of the dialogue video or producer dialogue video. In an exampleembodiment, the conversation video generation logic 502 parses outindividual discussions (determined discussion portions of the memberdialogue video) based on a textual analysis of the determined dialoguetext. For example, but not limited to, transitional words such as “next”or the like may be used to identify a transition from one discussionportion to another discussion portion.

Alternatively, or additionally, the words of the determined text mayindicate a transition. For example, the user 104 may be discussing afirst actor's performance in a particular scene, and then proceed to adiscussion of a second actor's performance in another scene. The namesof the first and second actors may be identified, and therefore bedetermined to be different from each other. The change in actor namesduring the commentary of the member dialogue video may be used toidentify a transition from one discussion portion to another discussionportion.

As yet another non-limiting example, the user 104 may be discussing atopic or characteristic of a particular scene, and then proceed to adiscussion of a different topic or characteristic in a different sceneor even in the same scene. In an example embodiment, the topics and/orcharacteristics may be differentiated from each other by the text-basedsearch engine 556. For instance, the user 104 may be discussing a firstscene filmed at night (and thus the user 104 may using words such asnight, dark, stars, moon, etc.) and then transition to a discussionabout a second scene filmed during the day (and thus user 104 may thenbe using words such as light, sun, shade, shadows, or the like.) Thechange in the description of topics or characteristics during thecommentary of the member dialogue video may indicate a transition fromone discussion portion to another discussion portion. For instance, atransition may be identified when the determined text has the words“stars” therein, and then changes to then include the word “sun” or thelike. These particular example words spoken in a member dialogue videowould tend to indicate a transition between discussion portions of themember dialogue video.

Next, the text-based search engine 556 compares the text of eachindividual discussion portion with the keywords of the modified thematiccontent event. When the text of an individual discussion portion matcheskeywords associated with a particular anchor point, then the locationinformation of that anchor point may be used to identify thecorresponding location in the thematic content event that thatparticular discussion portion pertains to.

In some embodiments, a member dialogue video may be generated while theuser 104 is viewing presentation of a modified thematic content eventwhich already has associated anchor points throughout the modifiedthematic content event. If the device 112, 402 that is generating themember dialogue video is synchronized with presentation of theparticular modified thematic content event, or is in communication withanother device that is presenting the particular modified thematiccontent event, then anchor points may be encountered from time to timewhile the user 104 is providing their commentary during generation oftheir member dialogue video. In such situation, an annotation or thelike may be added into the member dialogue video to indicate theidentity of an encountered anchor point, thereby associating the anchorpoint with a particular location in the member dialogue video. Forexample, the user 104 may be discussing scene “A” during a particularpoint in the generation of their member dialogue video. If an anchorpoint associated with scene “A” is encountered, then the identificationof that particular anchor point can be saved with that particularportion of the member dialogue video. When that portion of the memberdialogue video is later analyzed, the identified anchor point may beused to more quickly and efficiently identify where in the thematiccontent event that particular member dialogue video portion should beassociated with.

As the member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos associatedwith the specified thematic content event are processed, a plurality ofmember dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussionportions thereof) becomes uniquely associated with locations (asidentified by the anchor points) in the thematic content event.

Next, the conversation video generation logic 502 constructs theconversation video by selectively picking and choosing those associatedmember dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussionportions thereof) for each particular scene and/or topic that is to bediscussed during the conversation video. For example, the thematiccontent event may have ten significant scenes, and/or ten significanttopics presented by one or more different scenes, that are to bediscussed in a generated conversation video. These ten significantscenes and/or topics are specified by the operator of the videocommunity system 100 in an example embodiment. Further, the discussionorder of the scenes and topics may be specified by the operator, oralternatively, may be ordered based on their relative order ofpresentation in the thematic content event.

For the first scene or topic to be discussed in the conversation video,there may be many, or even thousands of, member dialogue videos and/orproducer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) that have beenidentified as potential candidates pertaining to that first scene ortopic (based on the association of the determined text and keywords, andthe location information from the anchor points associated with thekeywords). From the pool of available candidate member dialogue videosand/or producer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof), theconversation video generation logic 502 chooses a limited number of themember dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussionportions thereof) for inclusion into a generated conversation video.This selection of a limited number of member dialogue videos and/orproducer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) is desirableso that the portion of the generated conversation video does not becometoo long.

In an example embodiment, the number of selected member dialogue videosand/or producer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) may bepredefined. Alternatively, or additionally, a duration for a portion ofthe conversation video may be predefined. Thus the duration of selectedcandidate member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (ordiscussion portions thereof) may be added together so that the totalduration of the conversation video does not exceed the predefinedduration.

In some situations, the number and/or duration of the selected memberdialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussion portionsthereof) for one particular scene or topic may be different from otherscenes and/or topics presented in the conversation video. The desirednumber and/or duration for discussion of each scene and/or topic may bespecified by the operator of the video community system 100. Forexample, a first scene may be specified to have no more than threemember dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussionportions thereof). A more important second scene or topic may bespecified to have between six and eight member dialogue videos and/orproducer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof). Thus, finalselection of candidate member dialogue videos and/or producer dialoguevideos (or discussion portions thereof) may be based on a predefinednumber.

Alternatively, or additionally, a total duration of discussion may bedefined for each of the scenes and/or topics. For example, a duration ofthe discussion for the first scene or topic may be specified to be threeminutes, and the total duration for the more important second scene ortopic may be specified to be between six to eight minutes. Thus, finalselection of candidate member dialogue videos and/or producer dialoguevideos (or discussion portions thereof) may be based on the specifiedduration.

In some embodiments, the number and duration are considered together.Thus, a particularly long duration member dialogue video and/or producerdialogue video (or discussion portions thereof) might be initiallyselected for inclusion into the conversation video, but may later bediscarded or otherwise disqualified if the total duration of discussionallocated for that particular scene or topic is exceeded. An alternativecandidate member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (ordiscussion portions thereof) may then be selected.

Alternatively, or additionally, weighting factors may be assigned toeach scene and/or topic. Then, based on a total specified duration forthe conversation video, the number and/or duration may be automaticallyadjusted (determined) for each scene and/or topic. For example, a moreimportant scene or topic may have a weighting of two times that ofanother scene or topic. Thus, if the other scene or topic is determinedto have at most three member dialogue videos and/or producer dialoguevideos (or discussion portions thereof), then the more important sceneor topic would have six member dialogue videos and/or producer dialoguevideos (or discussion portions thereof). Similarly, if the other sceneor topic is determined to have at most a total duration of three minutesof member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussionportions thereof), then the more important scene or topic would have aduration of six minutes of member dialogue videos and/or producerdialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof).

Once candidate member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos(or discussion portions thereof) have been identified for a particularscene and/or topic of the thematic content event, and a determinationhas been made for the total number of and/or total duration of themember dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussionportions thereof) that may be used for each scene and/or topic, theconversation video generator 132 next picks and chooses particularmember dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussionportions thereof) for inclusion in the conversation video.

When the number of candidate member dialogue videos and/or producerdialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) exceeds the allocatedtotal number and/or total duration for a particular scene or topic,embodiments of the conversation video generator 132 must select which ofthe candidate member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (ordiscussion portions thereof) are to be used for generation of theconversation video and which of the candidate member dialogue videosand/or producer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) are notto be used. Preferably, more interesting, more informative, and/or moreentertaining candidate member dialogue videos and/or producer dialoguevideos (or discussion portions thereof) are selected over lessinteresting, less informative, and/or less entertaining candidates.

In an example embodiment, the operator of the video community system 100makes a determination of which candidate member dialogue videos and/orproducer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) will be usedin the generated conversation video, and which candidates will not beused. The video community system 100 may present a menu or the like tothe operator that indicates the identified candidate member dialoguevideos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof)on a scene by scene, or by a topic by topic, basis. The menu isconfigured to permit the operator's selection of candidate memberdialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussion portionsthereof) for inclusion in the conversation video.

Some menus may be configured to permit the operator to view selectedcandidate member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (ordiscussion portions thereof) so that the operator may subjectively basetheir selection amongst the candidate member dialogue videos and/orproducer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) using theirpersonal preferences. That is, after viewing candidate member dialoguevideos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof),the operator may select their favorites for inclusion in the generatedconversation video.

Alternatively, or additionally, the member dialogue videos and/orproducer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) may beautomatically selected from the candidate pool of member dialogue videosand/or producer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof). In anexample embodiment, a rating system or priority system may be used forselection among candidate member dialogue videos and/or producerdialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof). For example, but notlimited to, a member dialogue video provided by a recognized communitymember may have a higher rating or priority than a member dialogue videoprovided by other community members. As another example, a producerdialogue video (or discussion portions thereof) provided by anotoriously famous and well-liked actor may have a higher rating orpriority than a producer dialogue video provided by an unknown actor.Any suitable rating system or priority system may be used by the variousembodiments.

For example, but not limited to, a member dialogue video from arecognized expert community member may have a rating or priority of 9(out of 10), and member dialogue video submitted by a relatively unknownor new community member may have a lower rating or priority of 2 (out of10). Thus, if only one of these two candidate member dialogue videos canbe selected for the conversation video, the higher rated candidatemember dialogue video may be automatically selected. Presenting higherrated member dialogue videos in a conversation video is appreciated toresult in a more interesting and/or entertaining conversation video

Further, other criteria may be used to select member dialogue videosand/or producer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof). Forexample, opposing viewpoints may be made by different groups ofcandidate member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (ordiscussion portions thereof). For example, one group of candidates mayexpress a like for a particular scene, and another group of candidatesmay express a dislike for the same scene. Accordingly, one or more fromthe group expressing a liking for the scene, and one or more from thegroup expressing a dislike for the scene may be selected for inclusionin the conversation video. All similar views may be presented togetheras a group in an example embodiments. Alternatively, or additionally,opposing viewpoints may be interleaved to create dialogue exchange thatemulates an argument. Presenting opposing viewpoints in a conversationvideo is appreciated to result in a more interesting and/or entertainingconversation video.

Alternatively, or additionally, an example criteria may require that aselected member dialogue video and/or producer dialogue video (ordiscussion portion thereof) have supporting reasoning and/or supportingfacts. In such embodiments, the presence or absence of supportingreasoning and/or supporting facts may be used to select amongcandidates. For example, a first community member may state in theirmember dialogue video that they like a particular scene because ofcertain specific reasons which have been articulated in support of theiropinion. Further, the first community member may optionally providesupporting facts in their conversation video in support of theiropinion. In contrast, a second community member may merely say that theylike the same scene in their conversation video, with no discussion oftheir reasoning or with no supporting facts. Accordingly, the memberdialogue video provided by the first community member may be moredesirable (and thus is selected for inclusion in the conversation video)than the member dialogue video from the second community member (whichis not selected).

In some instances, a first community member may provide a relativelycomprehensive first member dialogue video that discusses most of, or allof, the scenes and/or topics of the thematic content event. In contrast,a second community member may submit a relatively short and/or lesscomprehensive second member dialogue video that discusses a single sceneor topic, or that discusses a limited number of scenes and/or topics.The more comprehensive first member dialogue video from the firstcommunity member may be parsed into a plurality of discussion segments,each pertaining to discussion for the different scenes and/or topics,and then incorporated into the generated conversation video. The lesscomprehensive second member dialogue video from the second communitymember may be omitted since there would be fewer and/or shorterdiscussion segments As another example, the user 104 may be watching aparticular thematic content event while they are generating a memberdialogue video. If the device 112, 402 that is generating the memberdialogue video is also presenting the particular thematic content event,or is in communication with another device that is presenting theparticular thematic content event, then the identity of that thematiccontent event is determinable. For example, the title of the thematiccontent event may be available for the EPG information 442 since thedevice 112, 402 can identify the presented thematic content event. Aprogram identifier (PID) or other suitable identifier may be availablefrom the EPG information 442 and/or may be available in the metadata ofthe presented thematic content event. The determined identifier may thenbe automatically included in the member dialogue video that iscommunicated to the video community system 100 parsed out from thatsecond member dialogue video. Here, since many discussion segments fromthe selected first member dialogue video provided by the first communitymember is used throughout the conversation video, the overall discussionpresented by the conversation video will seem more intimate and personalto the viewing user 104. That is, a conversation video presentingdiscussion segments from a relatively few number of community membersand/or other knowledgeable persons will more closely emulates a smallintimate discussion group having a conversation about the thematiccontent event. In such situations, the user 104 is more likely able todevelop personal connections with the relatively small number ofcommunity members and/or other knowledgeable persons presenting theircomments in the conversation video. In contrast, a conversation videopresenting discussion segments from a relatively large number ofdifferent community members and/or other knowledgeable persons may bemore difficult to follow by the viewing user 104 because such aconversation video emulates a large discussion group. Here, the user 104is less likely able to develop personal connections with such a largenumber of community members and/or other knowledgeable persons.

Some embodiments of the video community system 100 employ a hierarchicaltree structure to identify and select member dialogue videos and/orproducer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) from a largenumber of available member dialogue videos and/or producer dialoguevideos (or discussion portions thereof). That is, a hierarchical treestructure is used to progressively narrow the pool of candidates so thatmore desirable candidates are retained for consideration, and lessdesirable candidates are eliminated from further consideration.

For example, an embodiment that employs the hierarchical tree structureprocess may first identify those member dialogue videos and/or producerdialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) that are associatedwith the specified thematic content event. Other member dialogue videosand/or producer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) thathave not been associated with the specified thematic content event areno longer considered as candidates.

Then, the hierarchical tree structure process may identify memberdialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussion portionsthereof) provided by recognized community experts and/or by other wellknown, notorious and knowledgeable persons. Here, member dialogue videosfrom recognized community experts can be anticipated to be moreinteresting, more informative, and/or more entertaining that memberdialogue videos from other community members. Similarly, a producerdialogue video from a famous actor can be anticipated to be moreinteresting than a producer dialogue video from an unknown actor. Suchcandidate member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (ordiscussion portions thereof) are retained for further consideration. Incontrast, candidates from community members who are not recognizedexperts, and/or from others who are not well known, may be eliminated ascandidates for further consideration.

As the number of candidate member dialogue videos and/or producerdialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) is reduced through eachsuccessive iteration performed during the hierarchical tree structureprocess, more interesting, more informative, and/or more entertainingmember dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussionportions thereof) remain as candidates. One or more other tree structurecriteria may then be applied to further reduce the number of candidatesfor consideration. At some point in the hierarchical tree structureprocess, a manageable number of candidate member dialogue videos and/orproducer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) will remainfor consideration.

The final selection of candidate member dialogue videos and/or producerdialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) may be made by theoperator of the video community system 100 based on their personasubjective preferences. Or, the final candidates may be identifiedautomatically, such as when the total number of and/or total duration ofcandidates allocated for the identified scenes and/or topics fallswithin specified allocations (such as the total number and/or totalduration specified for a conversation video).

When a particular scene or topic has multiple member dialogue videosand/or producer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) thathave been selected for inclusion in a generated conversation video, theorder of presentation of the selected member dialogue videos and/orproducer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) may bedetermined. The final order may be made by the operator of the videocommunity system 100 based on their personal subjective preferences. Or,the final order may be determined automatically, such as when thosemember dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussionportions thereof) expressing a like for the scene or topic are to bepresented before those selected candidates expressing a dislike for thescene or topic.

Some embodiments of the video community system 100 are configured toselect portions of the video and/or audio thematic content event forinclusion in a conversation video. For example, when a particular sceneis being discussed in a conversation video, the video portion of thatscene or a portion thereof, may be included in the generatedconversation video. The audio portion of the thematic content event maybe omitted or otherwise muted so that the user 104 can listen to thedialogue of the currently presented member dialogue videos and/orproducer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof). Withpresentation of selected portions of the thematic content event, theuser 104 viewing the conversation video at a later time more readilyappreciates the nature of the conversation presented by the conversationvideo since they may review that scene (or portion thereof) whilelistening to the audio commentary from community members and/or otherknowledgeable persons.

The presentation of video content and audio content in a conversationvideo may be formatted in a variety of manners. For example, the videoportion of the conversation video may present the image of thecontributing community member while the audio portion presents theircommentary dialogue. Alternatively, or additionally, the video portionof the conversation video may present a particular scene (or portionthereof) while the audio portion presents commentary dialogue of one ormore contributing community members. Alternatively, or additionally, animage of the contributing community member may be concurrently presentedwith the scene (or portion thereof) using a picture over picture format,a picture in picture format, a split screen format, a full screenformat, or the like, wherein the presented scene (or portion thereof) isrelatively smaller than the view field of the display that presents theimage of the contributing community member. Alternatively, images of thecurrent speaker or the like may be relatively smaller than the viewfield of the display that is presenting the scene.

In an example embodiment, once a draft conversation video has beengenerated, the draft conversation video may be optionally presented tothe operator for review, editing and/or approval. The operator maymodify the draft conversation video by adding and/or deleting selectedmember dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (or discussionportions thereof). Alternatively, or additionally, the operator maychoose to add or delete scenes (or portions thereof) from the thematiccontent event.

Once a particular conversation video has been generated, theconversation video is communicated from the conversation video outputinterface 506 for storage in the conversation video storage medium 134.For example, if the first thematic content event is selected forgeneration of a conversation video, the corresponding first modifiedthematic content event 516 (see MTCE 1 illustrated in FIG. 5) isaccessed by the conversation video generator 132. The conversation videothat is generated based on the first modified thematic content event isthen stored as conversation video 1 (see reference numeral 550). Theinformation for this first stored conversation video further includes atleast one identifier that uniquely associated this first conversationvideo with the first thematic content event.

Later, when the user 104 wishes to access a conversation videoassociated with a particular thematic content event of interest, arequest is generated by the device 112, 402. The request is communicatedto the member interface 138. Based on the identity of the thematiccontent event of interest indicated in the request, the video communitysystem 100 accesses the particular conversation video(s) associated withthe identified thematic content event. The accessed conversationvideo(s) is then communicated back to one or both of the devices 112,402. The received conversation video(s) may then be presented to theuser 104.

In an example embodiment, the user 104 may have to specify the title orother identifier of the thematic content event of interest. For examplethe user may type in the title of the thematic content event.Alternatively, or additionally, some embodiments may automaticallydetermine the title or identifier of the thematic content event. Forexample, if the device 112, 402 is currently presenting the thematiccontent event the title or identifier of the thematic content event maybe determined based on the EPG information 442 and/or the metadatainformation of the currently presented thematic content event.

In some situations, multiple associated conversation videos may beavailable for a single thematic content event. In an example embodiment,all associated conversation videos are communicated to one or both ofthe devices 112, 402. A selectable menu or the like (such as an EPG) maybe presented to the user 104 that provided descriptive information ofeach different one of the available conversation videos. The user canthen select one or more of the conversation videos for presentation.

In another embodiment, information identifying the plurality ofavailable conversation videos is communicated to one or both of thedevices 112, 402. A selectable menu or the like is presented to the userwith descriptive information describing characteristics of the differentconversation videos. Once the user has selected one or more of theindicated conversation videos of interest, a second communication isreturned from one or both of the devices 112, 104 to the video communitysystem 100. The selected one or more conversation videos are thencommunicated to one or both of the devices 112, 402 for presentation tothe user 104.

Alternatively, or additionally, the first request may includesupplemental information that describes topics or characteristics ofinterest that the user 104 is interested in. In this example embodiment,the video community system 100 automatically identifies one or moreconversation videos that may be of interest to the requesting user 104based on the supplemental information in the request. Then, theidentified conversation videos may be communicated to one or both of thedevices 112, 402. Alternatively, information indicating the identifiedconversation videos may be communicated to one or both of the devices112, 402, wherein a second request initiated by the user 104 specifiesone or more of the indicated conversation videos that are to be thensent to one or both of the devices 112, 402.

K. Proof Video Generation

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the proof video generator 128, thecommunity commentary information storage medium 140, and the proof videostorage medium 130. The proof video generator 128 is configured togenerate proof videos based on one or more rant videos received from acommunity member seeking recognition and/or based on one or moreendorsement videos supporting that community member. The proof videogenerator comprises a working rant and endorsements medium 602, proofvideo generation logic 604, a rant and endorsement video input interface606, and a proof video output interface 608

A proof video presents commentary (opinions and views) of a particularcommunity member about a particular thematic content event and/or abouta particular genre and/or topic pertaining to the thematic contentevent. In some instances, the particular community member may have beendeemed by the community as being an expert in (based upon affirmationvotes and/or denial of affirmation votes previously received from othercommunity members). A suitable icon, text note or the like may bepresented in the proof video to indicate that the community member is arecognized expert community member.

The community commentary information storage medium 140 stores aplurality of rant videos, illustrated as the first rant video 610(illustrated as “RV 1”) through a last rant video 612 (illustrated as“RV i”), and a plurality of endorsement videos, illustrated as the firstendorsement video 614 (illustrated as “EV 1”) through a last endorsementvideo 616 (illustrated as “EV i”). The community commentary informationstorage medium 140 further includes, in the identifier database 548 orin another suitable medium, stored identifiers that uniquely identifyeach one of the stored rant videos and endorsement video. The uniquerant video identifier further includes information identifying thecommunity member that the rant video is generated for. Also, the uniqueendorsement video identifier includes information that identifies theperson who generated the endorsement video and the identity of theintended beneficiary community member that the endorsement video issupporting. In alternative embodiments, one or more of the rant videos,endorsement videos, and/or the information in the identifier database548 may be stored in a distributed fashion using other memory mediums.

In practice, a community member generates a rant video using one of thedevices 112, 402. The generated rant video is communicated to the memberinterface 138. The video community system 100 stores the received rantvideo into the community commentary information storage medium 140. Therant video further includes information identifying the community memberwho generated the rant video. The identifying information may be thename of the community member. Alternatively, other identifyinginformation may be used, such as a handle, nickname, or the like, thatuniquely identifies the community member who generated the received rantvideo.

When a single rant video is processed to generate a proof video, therant video is accessed from the community commentary information storagemedium 140. The accessed rant video is then stored into the workingrants and endorsements 602 as a working rant video 618.

In some situations, the community member may have generated a pluralityof different rant videos that are stored in the community commentaryinformation storage medium 140. Some of the multiple rant videos may beintended to further bolster the community member's arguments that theyshould become a recognized expert in a particular thematic content eventand/or about a particular genre and/or topic pertaining to the thematiccontent event. Alternatively, the multiple rant videos may be directedto different particular thematic content events and/or about differentparticular genre and/or topic pertaining to other thematic contentevents or other topics.

When a single proof video is generated based on a plurality of rantvideos, a particular thematic content event and/or a particular genreand/or topic pertaining to the thematic content event is specified. Inan example embodiment, the specification is made by the operator of thevideo community system 100. Alternatively, the ATTE 554 may generatetext from the dialogue of the rant video, and the search engine 556 maythen identify and specify the particular thematic content event and/or aparticular genre and/or topic pertaining to the thematic content eventbeing discussed in the rant video.

Once the particular thematic content event and/or the particular genreand/or topic pertaining to the thematic content event has beenspecified, a plurality of rant video from that community member havingdiscussions that pertaining to the specification are accessed from thecommunity commentary information storage medium 140 and are saved intothe working rant videos 618.

Based on the identity of the community member who generated the receivedrant video, the search engine 556 searches the plurality of endorsementvideos (EV1 through EVi) to find matches with the identified beneficiarycommunity member. If and when a match between the identity of thecommunity member who generated the received rant video and theidentified beneficiary community member of an endorsement video isfound, the associated endorsement video is accessed and is then storedinto the working endorsement videos 620.

At this juncture in the process of generating a proof video for aparticular community member, one or more rant videos pertaining to aspecified thematic content event and/or a specified genre and/or topicpertaining to the thematic content event have been accessed and stored.Also, any identified endorsement videos for that community member havebeen accessed and stored.

Then, the proof video generation logic 604 begins the process ofgenerating the proof video from the stored rant videos and the storedendorsement videos. The process of generating a proof video, in someinstances, may be a relatively simple process. For example, the proofvideo may be generated using a single rant video and no endorsementvideos. Here, the rant video is incorporated into the proof video withlittle or no processing of the single rant video. The proof videogeneration logic 604 may only need to add identifying information of thecommunity member who generated the received rant video, and/or may needto format the proof video for a variety of presentation devices 112, 402that might be used to view the generated proof video.

In another example situation, a single rant video and one or moreendorsement videos may be used to generate a proof video. Accordingly,when a single rant video is processed to generate a proof video, therant video is accessed from the community commentary information storagemedium 140. The accessed rant video is then stored into the workingrants and endorsements 602 as a working rant video 618 must determinehow to combine the one or more endorsement videos with the single rantvideo to produce a cohesive presentation of the arguments that thecommunity member should become a recognized expert in a particularthematic content event and/or a particular genre and/or topic pertainingto the thematic content event.

The audio portion of the accessed rant video is converted into text bythe ATTE 554. Then, similar to the parsing of member dialogue videos,the rant video is parsed into portions by the search engine 556. Eachparsed portion of the rant video preferably presents a single argumenton behalf of the community member. That is, each parsed rant videoportion preferably includes a single hypothesis statement and includessupporting reasoning and/or supporting facts relating to the hypothesisstatement. An example hypothesis statement and supporting reasoningand/or supporting facts may be: “I, Davey Jones, should be a recognizedexpert in the thematic content event ABC because this is my favoritethematic content event of all time, because I have seen this particularthematic content event multiple times, and because I have authored fivearticles about this particular thematic content event.”

The one or more endorsement videos are similarly analyzed, and parsedout into different endorsement video portion if the individualgenerating the endorsement video is presenting multiple differentarguments in support of the beneficiary community member. For example,famous actor Tom Smith might state: “I have read and agree with the fivearticles written by Davey Jones, and they are the best I have ever seenfor this particular thematic content event ABC.” In an exampleembodiment, each endorsement video (or a portion thereof) is associatedwith one of the presented arguments (the hypothesis statement and thesupporting reasoning and/or supporting facts).

Then, the search engine 556 analyzes the one or more endorsement videos(or portions thereof) to determine where each of the endorsement videos(or portions thereof) should be added into the processed rant video. Inan example embodiment, the associated endorsement video (or portionthereof) is placed into the proof video immediately after the conclusionof the presentation of the associated argument made by the communitymember who generated the rant video. However, the search engine 556 maycombine the portions of the rant video and the endorsement videos (orportions thereof) in any suitable order that results in a pleasing,entertaining and convincing proof video.

In some instances, a plurality of rant videos may be submitted by acommunity member that relate to the same particular thematic contentevent and/or a particular genre and/or topic pertaining to the thematiccontent event. That is, the community member may decide to addadditional arguments and/or revise previously presented arguments. In anexample embodiment, a newer received rant video simply replaces olderreceived rant videos. Thus, the newer rant video is used to generate anew proof video that replaces the proof video that was previouslygenerated based on the older rant video.

However, in other embodiments, multiple rant videos are processedtogether, much like a plurality of different member dialogue videos, togenerate a single proof video. The ATTE 554 generates text for each ofthe multiple rant videos. The search engine 556 parses out each of themultiple rant videos into portions. Then, the portions are analyzed sothat related portions (portions have the same or similar argumentstherein) can be grouped together for presentation in the proof video.Also, the related endorsement videos (or portions thereof) may begrouped with the grouped rant video portions. Then, the proof video isgenerated by the proof video generator.

In some endorsement videos, the person generating the endorsement videomay define a set of criteria, attributes or the like. If a particularcommunity member satisfies all of, selected one, or a predefined portionof the predefined criteria, attributes or the like, that communitymember automatically qualifies as a beneficiary of the endorsementvideo. During generation of a proof video, the qualifications and/orcharacteristics of the member that is submitting the rant video iscompares with the predefined criteria, attributes or the like associatedwith the endorsement video. If that community member automaticallyqualifies as a beneficiary, then that particular endorsement video mayoptionally be included in the proof video.

The generated proof videos are communicated out from the proof videooutput interface 608 for storage into the proof video storage medium130. Since the community has a large number of community members aplurality of different proof videos will likely have been generated fora plurality of different community members. The plurality of differentproof videos is represent by a first proof video 1 (indicated byreference numeral 622) through a last proof video i (indicated by thereference numeral 624).

On occasion, the user 104 may be interested in viewing generated proofvideos that have been generated for a community member of interest. Forexample, the user 104 may have recently viewed a conversation video fora particular thematic content event, wherein portions of theconversation video were based on one or more member dialogue videos fromthat particular community member that is now of interest to the user104. In some embodiments, the conversation video may even identify thatparticular community member as being a recognized expert within thecommunity.

In such situations, the user 104 may wish to view any proof videos, ifthey exist, for the community member of interest that has provided theircommentary that has been incorporated into the conversation video. Theuser 104, using one or both of their devices 112, 402, specifies theidentity of the community member of interest and indicates that theywould like access to any proof videos for that community member. Thedevices 112, 402 communicate a request for the proof videos to the videocommunity system 100. In an example embodiment, the request includes theidentity of the community member of interest. The video community system100 uses the identifier of the community member to search the pluralityof proof videos stored in the proof video storage medium 130. If a proofvideo has been generated for that particular community member identifiedin the request, then that associated proof video can be communicated toone or both of the devices 112, 402 for presentation to the user 104. Ifa plurality of proof videos are available, a selection menu or the likemay be presented to the user so that the user may select one of themultiple proof videos for presentation. An example embodimentscommunicates all available proof videos to one or both of the devices112, 402. Other embodiments first communicate information describingeach of the multiple proof vides. After user selection of one (or more)of the multiple proof videos, the a second request is communicated tothe video community system 100 that identifies the selected proofvideo(s), which is then communicated to one or both of the devices 112,402.

Proof videos also include a mechanism for accepting an affirmation voteor a denial of affirmation vote from the user 104, preferable after theuser 104 has completed viewing of the proof video. In an exampleembodiment, a pup-up window or the like is presented to the user 104that is configured to receive one of the affirmation vote or the denialof affirmation vote. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of thecontrollers 452 of the remote control 450 may be configured to permitthe user to specify their vote.

Once the user 104 has made either an affirmation vote or a denial ofaffirmation vote, the vote is communicated from one or both of thedevices 112, 402 to the video community system 100. The received vote isthen associated with the particular proof video and/or the particularmember who generated the rant video(s) used to make the proof video. Theassociated vote is then stored. In an example embodiment, the vote andthe identity of the user 104 are stored in the identifier database 548(or in another suitable medium). Such embodiment may limit the user 104to a single vote. Thus, if a subsequent vote is received from the sameuser 104 for the previously voted-on proof video, that vote can berejected, or may be used to replace the previous vote (thus permittingthe user 104 to change their vote).

In other embodiments, a counter or the like tracks the number ofaffirmation votes and the number of denial of affirmation votes. When avote is received from the user 104, the counter may be indexed to thenext number. For example, if the proof video has 1000 affirmation votesand 50 denial of affirmation votes, and if the received vote from theuser 104 was an affirmation vote, then the new total of votes would be1001 affirmation votes and 50 denial of affirmation votes.

In some embodiments, an incentive or the like may be used to incentivizethe community members to view and vote on proof videos. For example,each received vote from a particular community member may award thatcommunity member a reward point or the like. After a sufficient numberof reward points are accumulated by that community member, they may beawarded a gift or may be permitted to choose among a plurality ofavailable gifts. In an example embodiment, a gift might be a free movieviewing certificate so that the community member may select a movie ofinterest from an on-demand system for their viewing enjoyment. Otherexample gifts may include billing credits that reduce service fees forthat community member.

L. Modification of Conversation Videos

The conversation videos available for viewing by community members maybe changed, modified, or re-created from time to time. It is appreciatedthat commentary within the community is likely to evolve over time asmore and more community members view a particular thematic content eventand then submit their member dialogue videos. For example, when aparticular thematic content event is first released to the public,especially if the release is a preview and/or is an offering by arelatively small and/or unknown independent producer, relatively fewcommunity members may have viewed the thematic content event andprovided their member dialogue videos expressing their viewpoints aboutthe recently released thematic content event. If the thematic contentevent is very entertaining and/or controversial, a number of new memberdialogue videos may be generated over a particularly short span of time.Thus, a previously generated conversation video may become quicklyoutdated.

Embodiments of the video community system 100 are configured toperiodically update and/or generate new conversation videos as theavailable pool of candidate member dialogue videos and/or producerdialogue videos increases. An example embodiment is configured toperiodically update and/or generate new conversation videos based on apredefined duration. Alternatively, or additionally, embodiments may beconfigured to update and/or generate new conversation videos after a newnumber of member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos arereceived by the video community system 100.

In an example embodiment, an entirely new conversation video isgenerated upon the most recently available pool of candidate memberdialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos. The newly generatedconversation video is stored into the conversation video storage medium134, and thereby replaces the previously generated conversation video.(However, some embodiments may archive the previously generatedconversation videos for administrative purposes, but prevent access tocommunity members.)

Alternatively, or additionally, embodiments may be configured toretrieve a previously generated conversation video and the newlysubmitted member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos. Thenewly received member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videosare used to replace selected, and presumably less interesting or lesscurrent, member dialogue videos and/or producer dialogue videos (ordiscussion portions thereof) that were used to generate the previousconversation video. Some of the new member dialogue videos and/orproducer dialogue videos (or discussion portions thereof) may be addedinto the newly generated conversation video, thus resulting in a longerduration conversation video.

M. Example Conversation and Proof Videos.

FIG. 7 illustrates a conceptual snapshot of an example conversationvideo 702. The example conversation video 702 includes a plurality ofseven community members 704 (or other knowledgeable individualsproviding producer dialogue videos) that are providing commentary aboutthe subject member dialogue video, here showing an image of a scene 706of the subject thematic content event with the actress 456 and theplurality of buildings 458 (see also FIG. 4). It if appreciated that thestill images of the community members 704 may be a video of thatparticular community member 704 providing commentary in the conversationvideo. Further, at any given moment in the conversation video, one ofthe community members 704 is providing audio commentary that the viewinguser 104 (not shown) is listening to. At times, multiple communitymembers 704 may be providing their audio commentary concurrently. Forexample, if two or more of the community members 704 are expressingopposing viewpoints, the conversation video may present, as least forsome brief durations, overlapping commentary from multiple communitymembers 704 so as to emulate a lively ongoing dispute or argumentbetween the two or more community members 704.

In the example conversation video 702, an image of a selected portion ofa scene from the subject thematic content event is illustrated in aviewing pane 708. The illustrated scene portion is presumably part ofthe scene or portion of the thematic content event that is currentlybeing discussed by the community members 704. In other embodiments, orduring other times of this example conversation video 702, the scene 706may be omitted. Alternatively, the scene 706 may be of a different size,and/or may be shown in another location on the display 416. In someinstances, embodiment may present multiple viewing panes with differentscenes therein.

In the various embodiments, any suitable number of community members 704may be concurrently shown on the conversation video 702. Activelyspeaking community members 704 may be indicated by their movement, whichnon-talking community members 704 may be still. Alternatively, activelytalking community members 704 may be indicated using other indicators,such as a brighter coloring, a pointer, a box, or the like.Alternatively, or additionally, non-talking community members 704 may berepresented using a blackened outline or shaded outline of theparticular community member 704, and then transition to a photographicvideo image when they begin to talk. In some embodiments, a small imagemay be used for currently non-talking community members 704, whilespeaking community members 704 may transition to an enlarged image whilethey are talking.

FIG. 8 illustrates a conceptual snapshot of another example conversationvideo 802. Here, a view pane 804 with a video image of a currentlyspeaking community member is shown over the field that is presenting thecurrently discussed scene 706 of the subject thematic content event. Theview pane 804 may be shown at any selected location on the display 416,and may be of any suitable size. Location and/or size of the view pane804 may be modified as the conversation video progresses. In an exampleembodiment, when the currently illustrated community member is finishedtalking, their image may be faded and replaced with a video image of anext speaking community member. Alternatively, or additionally, the nextspeaking community member may be shown in a new view pane.

In some embodiments, a textual identifier 806 may be shown as part ofthe view pane 804, or in another suitable location on the display 416,to indicate the identity of the currently speaking community member.Accordingly, the viewing user 104 may better appreciate who isparticipating in the conversation video, and thereby may develop a morepersonal connection with the community members 704.

Alternatively, or additionally, a scrolling text banner 808 or the likemay be used to indicate supplemental information of interest. The banner808 may present any text of interest and/or may be located at anysuitable place on the display 416.

FIG. 9 illustrates a conceptual snapshot of another example conversationvideo 902. Here, a view pane 904 with a video image of the currentlyspeaking actress 456 is shown over the field that is presenting thecurrently discussed scene 706 of the subject thematic content event.Alternatively, or additionally, one or more of the example featuresillustrated in FIG. 8 may be included in this example conversation video902.

FIG. 10 illustrates a conceptual snapshot of an example proof video.Here, a view pane 1002 with a video image 1004 of the currently speakingcommunity member who is presenting their personal views and opinionsabout subject thematic content event is shown. The video of the speakingmember was previously submitted as a rant video. The proof video 1002 isalso optionally presenting a currently discussed scene 706 of thesubject thematic content event.

Additionally, an endorsement video 1006 of the actress 456 may be shownto indicate that the speaking community member 1004 is endorsed by theactress 456. In an example embodiment, an image of the actress 456optionally remains presented during the proof video. At some pointduring presentation of the proof video 1002, the video clip of theactress as she is discussion the basis of her endorsement is presented.

A viewing member 104 who is viewing the proof video 1002 may like or maydislike the views and/or opinions of the speaking community member 1004.A voting pop-up pane 1008 is illustrated. The user 104 may select thelike portion of the voting pop-up pane 1008, thus submitting anaffirmation vote for the speaking community member 1004. Alternatively,the user 104 may select the dislike portion of the voting pop-up pane1008, thus submitting a denial of affirmation vote. Other embodimentsmay graphically indicate to the user that they may vote for affirmationusing any suitable graphic.

Optionally, a graphical icon 1010 or the like may be presented toindicate that the speaking community member 1004 has already achievedstatus as a recognized expert in the community. Any suitable icon may beused. Alternatively, or additionally, one or more characteristics of theview pane may be altered to indicate the recognized expert status of thespeaking community member 1004. For example, but not limited to, acolored background shading may be used and/or a bolding or coloring of aline enclosing the view pane 1002 may be used.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thevideo community system 100 are merely possible examples ofimplementations of the invention. Many variations and modifications maybe made to the above-described embodiments. All such modifications andvariations are intended to be included herein within the scope of thisdisclosure and protected by the following claims.

1. A video community system that provides conversation videos to arequesting community member who is one of a plurality of communitymembers of a video community system, comprising: a conversation videostorage medium that stores a plurality of conversation videos that areeach associated with one of a plurality of thematic content events; anda member interface that communicatively couples the video communitysystem to a plurality of user devices, wherein the member interfacereceives a user request from the requesting community member for aconversation video that is associated with a particular thematic contentevent, wherein in response to receiving the user request, the videocommunity system accesses the conversation video from the conversationvideo storage medium that is associated with the particular thematiccontent event identified in the user request, wherein the videocommunity system communicates the accessed conversation video and atleast a portion of the particular thematic content event to therequesting community member's device for concurrent display.
 2. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein the at least a portion of the particularthematic content event is displayed in a first pane and the accessedconversation video is displayed in a second pane, wherein the secondpane is shown over the first pane.
 3. The system of claim 2, furthercomprising a textual identifier displayed with the second pane toindicate the identity of a currently speaking community member in theaccessed conversation video.
 4. The system of claim 1, wherein each oneof the stored conversation videos presents a series of member dialoguevideos including a video portion and a corresponding audio portion,wherein the user request specifies a media device that is associatedwith the requesting community member, wherein the conversation video iscommunicated to the requesting community member's media device, whereinthe video portions of the dialogue videos residing in the conversationvideo are presented on a display that is communicatively coupled to therequesting community member's media device, and wherein the audioportions of the dialogue videos residing in the conversation video areconcurrently presented on at least one speaker that is communicativelycoupled to the requesting community member's media device.
 5. The systemof claim 1, wherein each one of the stored conversation videos presentsa series of member dialogue videos including a video portion and acorresponding audio portion, wherein the user request specifies therequesting community member's device, wherein the requesting communitymember's device is a smart phone, wherein the conversation video iscommunicated to the requesting community member's smart phone, whereinthe video portions of the dialogue videos residing in the conversationvideo are presented on a display that is communicatively coupled to therequesting community member's smart phone, and wherein the audioportions of the dialogue videos residing in the conversation video areconcurrently presented on at least one speaker that is communicativelycoupled to the requesting community member's smart phone.
 6. The systemof claim 1, wherein the user request specifies the thematic contentevent by its title.
 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the user requestspecifies an actor who is performing in the thematic content event, andwherein each one of the stored conversation videos presents a series ofmember dialogue videos each describing at least one of a personalopinion and a personal viewpoint of the associated community memberabout the actor's performance in at least that thematic content event.8. The system of claim 1, wherein availability of the conversation videois indicated in an electronic program guide (EPG) when the EPG indicatesavailability of the associated thematic content event, and wherein therequesting community member may select, via the presented EPG,presentation of either the conversation video or the associated thematiccontent event.
 9. The system of claim 1, wherein each one of the storedconversation videos presents a series of member dialogue videos, whereinthe member dialogues express a personal opinion and a personal viewpointabout the associated thematic content event pertaining to a particularscene of the thematic content event, and wherein the user requestspecifies the scene in the thematic content event.
 10. A method foremulating a conversation about thematic content events, the methodcomprising: receiving a user request from a user device being used by arequesting community member; communicating the user request to a videocommunity system that stores a plurality of conversation videos and aplurality of proof videos, wherein each one of the conversation videosare each associated with at least a thematic content event, wherein eachconversation video stored at the video community system includes aplurality of dialogue videos that are serially presented duringpresentation of the conversation video, wherein the user requestincludes information that identifies a thematic content event when theuser request is to access a conversation video, and wherein the userrequest includes information that identifies the community member whogenerated the proof video when the user request is to access the proofvideo; receiving the conversation video from the video community systemwhen the communicated user request is to receive the conversation video;audibly presenting an audio portion of the serially presenting dialoguevideos to the requesting community member in response to receiving theconversation video; presenting a first view pane on a first area of adisplay concurrently with the audible presentation of the audio portionof the same dialogue video, wherein the first view pane presents animage that is associated with the community member who generated thepresenting dialogue video; and presenting a second view pane on a secondarea of the display a video of a scene of the thematic content eventthat is the subject of the presenting conversation video; wherein theseries of the dialogue videos, when serially presented to the user,emulate the conversation among the community members pertaining to thethematic content event that is of interest to the requesting communitymember.
 11. The method of claim 10, wherein prior to receiving theconversation video, the method further comprises: accessing theidentified thematic content event from a conversation video storagemedium of the video community system, wherein the video community systemcommunicates the accessed conversation video to the requesting communitymember.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the user request iscommunicated from a smart phone being used by the requesting communitymember, and wherein the conversation video is communicated from thevideo community system to the requesting community member's smart phone.13. The method of claim 11, wherein the user request is communicatedfrom a smart phone being used by the requesting community member,wherein the user request specifies a media device associated with therequesting community member, wherein the conversation video iscommunicated from the video community system to the specified mediadevice, wherein the video portions of the dialogue videos residing inthe conversation video are presented on the display that iscommunicatively coupled to the requesting community member's mediadevice, and wherein the audio portions of the dialogue videos residingin the conversation video are concurrently presented on at least onespeaker that is communicatively coupled to the requesting communitymember's media device.
 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the userrequest is communicated from a media device associated with therequesting community member, wherein the conversation video iscommunicated from the video community system to the media device,wherein the video portions of the dialogue videos residing in theconversation video are presented on the display that is communicativelycoupled to the requesting community member's media device, and whereinthe audio portions of the dialogue videos residing in the conversationvideo are concurrently presented on at least one speaker that iscommunicatively coupled to the requesting community member's mediadevice.
 15. The method of claim 14, wherein prior to generating the userrequest, the method further comprises: presenting an electronic programguide (EPG) on the display, wherein availability of the conversationvideo is indicated on the EPG that also indicates availability of theassociated thematic content event, receiving a user selection, via thepresented EPG, that requests presentation of at least one of theconversation video or the associated thematic content event, wherein theuser request is generated by the media device in response to thereceived user selection made via the presented EPG to present theconversation video.
 16. The method of claim 10, wherein the first viewpane presents a video recording of the community member that wascaptured while the community member was speaking during the generationof their dialogue video.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:presenting a plurality of third view panes on the display on differentareas of the display concurrently with the first view pane and thesecond view pane, wherein each of the plurality of third view panespresent a still image that corresponds to one of the other communitymembers who generated the dialogue videos that are included in theconversation video.
 18. The method of claim 10, further comprising:receiving a proof video from the video community system when the userrequest is to receive the proof video; audibly presenting an audioportion of the proof video to the requesting community member inresponse to receiving the proof video, wherein the community member whogenerated the proof video audibly expresses a viewpoint about at leastone particular thematic content event; and presenting the first viewpane on the display concurrently with the audible presentation of theaudio portion of the proof video, wherein the view pane presents animage that is associated with the community member who generated theproof video.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: receivingone of a first user input or a second user input during presentation ofthe proof video or after a conclusion of the presentation of the proofvideo, wherein the first user input is an affirmation vote thatexpresses an approval of the viewpoint, and wherein the second userinput is a denial of affirmation vote that expresses a disapproval ofthe viewpoint.
 20. The method of claim 10, further comprising: receivingan endorsement video with the received proof video from the videocommunity system when the user request is to receive the proof video;presenting the endorsement video to the requesting community member,wherein the endorsement video is generated by a recognized expert by theplurality of community members, and wherein the endorsement videoexpresses an opinion in support of the viewpoint of the community memberwho generated the proof video.